Grassy Narrows exposes government neglect of mercury survivors

July 27, 2014

Toronto - Thirty Grassy Narrows First Nation people will travel 1,800 km to Toronto to demand justice for mercury poisoning survivors, clean water, and respect for indigenous rights. Grassy Narrows people are still suffering from the debilitating neurological impacts of 10 tonnes of mercury dumped into their river by a paper mill upstream between 1962-1970. No clean-up has been done, and clearcut logging plans threaten to release more mercury into local waters.


PRESS CONFERENCE - Monday July 28

WHAT: Report exposes government neglect of mercury survivors
WHEN: Monday July 28, 10:00 a.m.
WHO: Grassy Narrows Chief Roger Fobister Sr.
Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy
Grassy Narrows Mother of Five Judy Da Silva
Stephen Lewis available for comment by phone
WHERE: Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St. (near Spadina and College)
N.B. Copies of the report will be available at the press conference.


STEPHEN LEWIS AND LEANNE SIMPSON SPEAK WITH GRASSY NARROWS -Tuesday July 29

WHAT: Grassy Narrows and prominent supporters speak out
WHEN: Tuesday July 29, 6:30 p.m.
WHO: Stephen Lewis - former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson - Writer, educator and activist
Grassy Narrows Chief Roger Fobister Sr.
Judy Da Silva - Grassy Narrows mother of five.
Grassy Narrows Womens Drum Group.
WHERE: Ryerson. 55 Dundas St. West. Ted Rogers School of Management (TRS1-067)


RIVER RUN MARCH AND RALLY - Thursday July 31
WHAT: Grassy Narrows and hundreds of their supporters will flow as a wild river through the streets of Toronto bringing their demands to Queens Park. The crowd will carry hundreds of yards of blue fabric flowing in the wind, dozens of fish cutouts, and large banners.
WHEN: Thursday July 31, Noon.
WHO: The march will be led by Grassy Narrows Elders in wheel chairs accompanied by the beat of the Grassy Narrows Women's Drum Group.
WHERE: Assemble at Grange Park (behind the AGO) at Noon. Speeches at Queens Park begin at 1:15 p.m.


Contact: 647-772-8770, riverrun2010@gmail.com
More information: http://freegrassy.net/2014/05/25/river-run-2014-water-is-sacred/
High resolution photos and B-roll are available.
#FreeGrassy #RiverRun



For more information contact:
Grassy Narrows Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek
Phone: 647-772-8770
Email: riverrun2010@gmail.com
Website: freegrassy.net/2014/05/25/river-run-2014-water-is-sacred/