The Lubicon Cree Land Claim Journey

1933

1952

70%

Billy Joe Laboucan

The Lubicon Cree received a 246 square kilometer reserve and a payment of more than $120 million.

Carolyn Bennett

Fishing

Biomagnification

Pregnant women

To protect the economic interests of the government

All of the above

All of the above

They prioritized economic interests

They wished to evade accountability

Lack of regard for human rights

Factors such as the mercury contamination being allowed to occur for years, the government hiding information, and ignoring the health needs of the Grassy Narrow’s community, all illustrate a systemic failure to protect the rights and well-being of Indigenous people.

The mercury contamination had economic effects as fishing is the main source of income for the community. This had an impact on the livelihood of the Grassy Narrows people as no one was coming to the area for commercial fishing anymore. This compounded from the fact that Grassy Narrows does not make profits from clearcutting has had a negative impact on employment and income.

The mercury poisoning has had a tragic effect on the cultural aspect of the community. Judy Da Silva, a Grassy Narrows resident, states that government provides uncontaminated frozen fish, however she also points out that 'the part they didn’t understand is that when they take that aspect of us going to get the fish and cutting the fish and going in the boat and living off the fish. The whole way of life is just severed.'

Biomagnification is the process where mercury concentration increases as it moves up the food chain. Mercury accumulates along the biological food chain, concentrating more in animals at the top of the food chain as they consume animals at the bottom. By the time humans catch and consume these fish, the mercury goes straight into the bloodstream.

Methyl mercury, found in the contaminated fish, has negative effects on the central nervous system. Consuming fish with high mercury levels has increased the prevalence of neurological impairments in the community, known as Minamata Disease. This is especially seen in pregnant women, where mercury spreads to the fetus and causes lifelong developmental issues.

All of the above

Poor housing and family violence

All of the above

Because their cultural ways are constantly disregarded and their lands are being developed which is a covert form of genocide

By criminalizing Indigenous protests and considering them as threats

They organized protests and demonstrations

Water usage is seen as wasteful and harmful for the environment

To bring attention to the community and their concerns

The government is not fulfilling its obligation to protect the rights of Indigenous people

The Indigenous interviewee compares the situation to a war zone because the constant disregard for their lands and traditional ways is killing people and slowly dissolving their culture, which is equivalent to being in a warzone. It is also a situation in which the Indigenous people must fight for their very existence.

According to McCarthy (2012), the Harper government has reacted to Indigenous protests in a militant manner. It has heavily monitored Indigenous protests and raised the possibility of criminalizing these protests. It lumps Indigenous protests together with extreme terrorist groups and labels them all as threats.

To communicate with nature

Hunting animals only as needed

To survive in the Arctic

Poor air and water quality

Mercury affects the entire food chain

Solving climate problems requires addressing defects in society

Cognitive impairments

The sealskin deteriorates, resulting in rotten patches and easily torn fur.

The seal's suffering from pollution indicates hazards to human quality of life.

The Inuit perspective provides unique observations that can complement scientific analysis.

Electric vehicles, sail boats, and canoes

The statement emphasizes that environmental problems are multi-faceted and cannot be solved solely through scientific and technological advancements. Social and political issues play a significant role in causing and perpetuating environmental pollution. For instance, oppression from governments and corporations can lead to the exploitation of Indigenous lands and disregard for their culture. By addressing these social and political problems, we can identify and rectify the systemic failures that contribute to environmental pollution. This comprehensive approach is necessary to devise effective and sustainable solutions to our environmental challenges.

Extreme temperatures and pollution can lead to various health risks. Overheating can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. Poor air quality due to pollution can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to discomfort and respiratory symptoms. Additionally, water pollution can contaminate drinking water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Overall, exposure to extreme temperatures and pollution can have detrimental effects on both physical and respiratory health.