#FreeGrassy demands fair compensation, an end to pollution and restoration of their community
On September 23rd, an estimated 9,000 people marched through the streets of Toronto, offering solidarity with the community of Grassy Narrows First Nation as they fight for justice. Generations of community members, some of whom travelled 1,700 kilometres from their home, marched from Grange Park to Queen’s Park. Joining them in Grassy Narrows River Run were supporters across movements and sectors, including The United Church of Canada and KAIROS Canada, filling the streets with people, banners, art and music.
Grassy Narrows is home to the longest-running Indigenous blockade in Canadian history. Over six decades, their water has been poisoned by mercury from the Dryden Mill. Although they have won major victories through decades of resistance—including a 10-year logging ban, commitments to clean up the river, and a Mercury Care Home—they demand compensation for their community and for the Dryden Mill to be shut down.
Free Grassy Narrows’ fight for mercury justice looks like:
- Fair compensation for everyone in Grassy Narrows for the mercury crisis.
- Ending the pollution by stopping the Dryden Mill, and ending mining and nuclear waste plans that threaten Grassy Narrows.
- Supporting Grassy Narrows in restoring their community and way of life from the damage that mercury has done.
The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Moderator, in April urged the Prime Minister to apologize to Grassy Narrows and echoed the community’s demands for fair compensation for harm of mercury poisoning, and an end to Dryden Mill’s ongoing pollution.
Supporters can add their voice to these demands by signing and promoting this petition to the Prime Minister and the Premier of Ontario.
#FreeGrassy #GrassyNarrows #RiverRun2026