Anglicans walk for Grassy Narrows

More than 30 Anglicans took part in the Grassy Narrows River Run in Toronto on Sept. 18 to protest the ongoing mercury poisoning crisis at Grassy Narrows First Nation in northern Ontario. The walk and rally, attended by about 8,000 people, started at Grange Park and ended at Queen’s Park. It included speeches and an Indigenous round dance on Bay Street. The protestors demanded fair financial compensation for Grassy Narrows First Nation, an end to industrial threats such as mining, logging and nuclear waste dumping, and support for Grassy Narrows to restore its way of life and wellness.

Grassy Narrows is suing the federal and provincial governments, alleging Canadian and Ontarian officials have consistently put the profits of industry ahead of a community poisoned by dumped mercury waste. The lawsuit accuses the governments of allowing the Wabigoon River to be polluted, then neglecting to remediate it, while simultaneously authorizing industrial production and prospecting. Despite officials’ repeated promises to clean up the mercury-polluted river, the neurotoxin remains in the food chain. Recent research suggests levels are worse than previously believed.

Making a statement.

The Red Rebels Toronto, a performance troupe dedicated to illuminating the global environmental crisis and supporting organizations that are trying to save humanity, enter Grange Park.

Some members of the Anglican contingent gather for a photo outside St. George by the Grange church before the start of the walk to Queen’s Park. The church provided refreshments and a place for walkers to assemble their signs.

A large banner is spread out at Queen’s Park for aerial viewing by media helicopters.