This page was created by Aidan Stewart.
Reflection and Call to Action
The history of Grassy Narrows shows how indigenous autonomy and cultural identity have been eroded over time. Forced relocation, economic exploitation, and environmental degradation have all contributed to the slow violence that's been happening for generations. The poisoning of the Wabigoon River with mercury is a perfect example of this. Even though there were early signs of mercury poisoning, the government didn't take it seriously. They denied it, neglected it, and didn't act urgently to fix the problem.
Steve Fobister passed away in 2018, but his life and advocacy still serve as a reminder of the human toll of environmental injustice. He was especially worried about the younger generations facing the same fate if nothing is done to help them. Without meaningful intervention, the younger generations of the Grassy Narrows community and others facing similar environmental injustices are destined to meet the same fate as Fobister - a fate caused by slow violence, not natural causes.
Despite the challenges in seeking remediation, there are still dedicated individuals and groups advocating and fighting for the rights of the Grassy Narrows community. Their resilience and determination serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to seek justice, amplify voices, and push for meaningful change.