Statement of Soldarity with Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation)

March 25, 2010

SCM Canada offers our solidarity with the people of Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) in their struggle for self-determination and justice, and to protect the land, air and water which give life to us all.

40 years ago the people of Asubpeeschoseewagong were poisoned with mercury by a paper mill that contaminated the river they depend upon for fishing. We stand with the people of Grassy Narrows in demanding justice because they are still dealing with the ongoing health impacts of this avoidable disaster. We want to sound the alarm that this poison will affect everyone if we don’t stand together to protect our water.

For decades Grassy Narrows grassroots people have been on the front lines of the movement to defend the earth, and to uphold Indigenous self-determination, culture, and spirituality. They have kicked out logging giant Abitibi corporation for now, but there is still much work to be done. SCM has been building relationships with Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek at local and cross-Canada levels for several years. This is a great opportunity to show your support, and to join us in the fight to protect the water, air, land, creatures, and rights that we all depend on.

As part of SCM’s commitment to Indigenous solidarity and self-determination – stated in our Draft Resolution on Indigenous Rights and Solidarity Statement on Indigenous Environmental Rights – and in recognition that our 89-year old ecumenical movement exists and seeks justice for all on stolen Indigenous land in all places across Canada, we offer our solidarity with Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek, with all Indigenous movements for land and self-determination, and endorse actions such as the River Run rally to defend these rights.

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Passed by consensus of the General Board, Student Christian Movement of Canada (founded 1921).

Read more at our SCM Indigenous Solidarity Campaign