Standing alongside Indigenous leaders and advocates, David Suzuki broke down Thursday evening while issuing a call for justice on behalf of mercury-poisoned Grassy Narrows First Nation — after decades of government inaction and new promises to clean the river of contamination.

The resilience of the people of Grassy Narrows, Suzuki told a Toronto audience, gave him hope that his grandchildren can live full lives despite what seems to be a bleak future for the Earth.

“My inspiration comes from the fact you haven’t given up,” said the environmentalist and broadcaster, his voice choked with tears. “... We have the opportunity to learn from you.”

Resilience was a central theme of the event. Advocates and community members — including Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle and community elder Judy da Silva — spoke about the mercury contamination that has sickened generations in the northern Ontario community, but also about historic fights by residents over land rights and the haunting legacies of residential schools, flooding and relocation.

“It’s Kafkaesque trying to get justice for these very clear injustices,” moderator Hayden King said.

The mercury poisoning began in the 1960s, when a pulp and paper mill in Dryden dumped 10 tonnes of mercury into the Wabigoon River, a vital resource for both Grassy Narrows and nearby Whitedog First Nation. The Star has previously reported on governments’ failure to take action, despite years of reports from community members and a tip from a former mill worker about mercury contamination upstream from Grassy Narrows.

“Enough research. Enough analysis. Enough promises. It’s time to act,” said panellist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

Elder Peter Schuler of the Mississaugas of the New Credit added that he first learned of the situation in Grassy Narrows when he was 21 years old. “Nothing has changed. Now I’m 71 years old,” he said.

The Ontario government recently committed $85 million in funding to clean up the river. A $5-million care home is also planned for residents suffering effects of mercury exposure. But for Chief Turtle, the real hurdle now is making sure those promises are kept.

“We are in the initial stages. It’s not exactly what we were hoping, but it’s moving,” he told the Star in an interview.

Turtle added that even after the mercury is cleaned from the river, it may take generations for its ill effects to disappear from his community. “We would like to start as soon as possible.”

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