The people of Grassy Narrows have sustained themselves for thousands of years on their traditional territory – 2,500 square miles of forest, lakes, rivers north of Kenora, Ontario. Now plans for clear-cut logging, mining and the legacy of residential schools, hydro damming, relocation, and mercury poisoning threaten to uproot their way of life.
Grassy Narrows Blockade 8th Anniversary December 2, 2010
December 2, 2002 was the day the community of grassy narrows people set up a human blockade against logging trucks. Read on for reflections from Grassy Narrows on 8 years of the blockade.
In an open letter on October 6, 2010 to loggers, retailers and investors Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister states that “[w]e continue to call for the boycott and divestment of Weyerhaeuser Corporation due to their violation of our human rights as Indigenous Peoples.” The letter goes on to say that “[w]e will work with our supporters to promote, monitor, and enforce this position.”
Grassroots women are blocking passage for Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR ) enforcement officers interfering with back-road repair work by the northwestern Ontario First Nations community. The community is repairing washouts and beaver damage to nearby back-roads to facilitate their ongoing use and enjoyment of their traditional territory.
By Mike Aiken, Kenora Daily Miner and NewsChiefs from across Canada have called for a public inquiry into mercury contamination at Grassy Narrows. They also called for an end to logging in the community's traditional territory, as well as permanent monitoring of the long-term effects on residents. (more…)
North America’s largest office paper producer, Domtar Corporation (UFS-T), has committed to stay clear of Grassy Narrows conflict wood, subject to the longest running Indigenous logging blockade in Canadian history. (more…)