RPTV Weekly News (EP84) - Grassy Narrows First Nation Files Lawsuit Over Mercury Contamination

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 84 (June 4th to June 10th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Fred Alvarado, Thunder Cloud, Kedar Ahmed, and Gabriel Meissner, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas.

In this episode, we present the following news:

0:00 intro
01:26 TCHC Progress Update: Regent Park Demolition on Track for Summer 2024 Completion;
02:27 Regent Park Community Reacts to Doug Ford's Controversial Comments on Immigrants;
08:11 Kristyn Wong-Tam Denounces Ford’s Hurtful Anti-Immigrant Comments;
10:29 Toronto Police 51 Division Holds Quarterly Meeting with Regent Park Residents;
23:15 Regent Park Stands Together on National Day Against Gun Violence;
31:40 Indigenous Report: Grassy Narrows First Nation Files Lawsuit Over Mercury Contamination;
40:01 Toronto Public Health Reports Surge in Opioid Toxicity Deaths;
40:30 Toronto Launches CORE Team to Support Vulnerable Yonge-Dundas Residents;
41:09 Events and Jobs in Regent Park community.
 
This week’s lead story:

Grassy Narrows First Nation Files Lawsuit Over Mercury Contamination

By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

The Grassy Narrows First Nation in northwestern Ontario has filed a lawsuit against the provincial and federal governments for failing to protect its treaty rights amidst decades-long mercury contamination. Filed in Ontario's Superior Court, the lawsuit claims government negligence under Treaty 3, leading to severe mercury poisoning among community members, including Chief Rudy Turtle. The contamination stems from a paper mill in Dryden that dumped nine tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system during the 1960s and '70s.

Approximately 90% of Grassy Narrows' population shows symptoms of mercury poisoning, including tremors, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction. With fewer than 1,000 residents, the community faces ongoing health and environmental challenges. Last year, the federal government committed to building a $68.9-million mercury treatment facility.

Following a press conference, the Grassy Narrows delegation marched to Queen's Park to deliver their statement of claim to Premier Doug Ford but was denied entry. Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles accepted the statement, promising to deliver it to Ford.

Chief Rudy Turtle also participated in unveiling a 75-meter-long keffiyeh at the Ontario Legislature, symbolizing over 15,000 Palestinian children and healthcare workers lost in the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7, 2023. This demonstration highlighted the interconnected struggles against environmental and social injustices.

RPTV reporter Fred Alvarado captured these pivotal moments, showcasing Chief Turtle’s powerful speech and the community’s unwavering demand for accountability and action. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Chief Rudy Turtle for deeper insights into this critical issue.