This page was created by Aidan Stewart.
Historical and Current Government Inaction
In 1984, a plan was recommended to cover mercury sediments in the river, but the government did not endorse it even though it was clear that intervention was needed to prevent the issue from persisting for many years. When this plan was brought up again in the 21st century, the government looked for ways to disprove the science behind the plan instead of exploring ways to implement it.
In 2017, Prime Minister Trudeau committed to the development of a treatment center for the Grassy Narrows, and in 2020, a deal was signed for its construction. However, construction has not yet started, and the community continues to face roadblocks in their interactions with the government and responsible parties. Specifically, the construction costs have over quadrupled in quantity, and the process to achieve these funds has been delayed time and time again.
Despite assurances from Indigenous Services Canada, tangible progress has been lacking, exacerbating the situation. The persistent delays and lack of recognition of responsibility have contributed to the slow violence of mercury poisoning in the community. The government's decision not to clean up the river and the ongoing delays in fulfilling promises indicate that they acknowledge the issue but fail to recognize the urgency for action. This inaction allows the slow violence of mercury poisoning to persist in the Grassy Narrows First Nation.