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Currents of Inequality: Studies in Environmental Injustice

Steve Fobister

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Neglected Voices: Understanding the Long-Term Impacts of Mercury Pollution and Nonrecognition on the Grassy Narrows First Nation
In 2014, Steve Fobister appeared on CTV news to advocate for his community, Grassy Narrows, amid their ongoing struggles. As the former Chief of the Grassy Narrows community, situated in Ontario along the English-Wabigoon River system, Fobister addressed the pervasive issue of mercury poisoning, which has profoundly impacted their environment and health. Despite his evident difficulty in articulating words—a potential consequence of mercury poisoning—Fobister conveyed the gravity of the situation. He highlighted the contamination of their water and food sources, leading to various health issues such as seizures and kidney problems among community members, and stressed his concern for future generations.

Fobister criticized the government's response, noting their failure to fulfill promises and provide meaningful support. He lamented the lack of recognition and substantive action from authorities, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. His plea underscored the dire need for acknowledgment and intervention to address the longstanding challenges facing Grassy Narrows.

The origins of the mercury contamination in Grassy Narrows trace back to the 1960s when mercury was discharged into the English-Wabigoon River system by a nearby paper and pulp plant. This environmental catastrophe has inflicted enduring harm on multiple generations, profoundly affecting their health and socioeconomic well-being. Despite mounting evidence of the crisis, governmental assistance has been notably lacking, with promises unfulfilled and pleas for aid disregarded.

Exploring the far-reaching implications of the mercury contamination on Grassy Narrows, encompassing health, environment, and economic facets contextualizes the situation within the framework of environmental injustice, illustrating how systemic neglect and lack of recognition exacerbate the harm inflicted on marginalized communities. The concept of "slow violence," as articulated by Rob Nixon, aptly characterizes the insidious nature of this environmental injustice.