Event Recap: Movement Building and Justice with Judy da Silva

“I try to speak for the water. Not just for Grassy people, but for future generations, for the kids not born yet. That’s why we do this work.” This statement is the key point that Judy da Silva kept returning to during her talk, Movement Building and Justice, held at the University of Victoria this past Friday – her deep responsibility and connection to the land, water, and people impacted by the mercury crisis is central to building a wider movement for justice in her community.

Judy is a member of Grassy Narrows First Nation, Asubpeeschoseewagong in Anishinaabemowin, a Nation that is taking Canada and Ontario to court over the mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon river system. Approximately 10 metric tonnes of mercury waste was discharged into the river system during the 1960s. The effluent has led to increased methylmercury, an extremely toxic form of mercury for humans and the natural world. It is in the fish that Grassy Narrows people rely on for their sustenance, livelihood, cultural practices, and Treaty rights. Judy explains that “the fish is not just food, it’s a part of who we are as Anishinaabe.” It has been over 50 years and Grassy Narrows is still seeking justice for the ongoing harm.

Sitting down at the front of a lecture hall in conversation with RAVEN Executive Director, Danielle Wilson, Judy shared stories from Grassy Narrows. For those of us in the audience, it felt less like a talk and more like you were listening to your friends over a warm cup of tea, and you couldn’t help but hold onto every word they said. Judy spoke about the racism faced by the Grassy Narrows community while trying to navigate the healthcare system; obstacles around the clean-up of mercury in the English-Wabigoon River; highlights from the 2024 River Run, where 8,000 people walked in solidarity with Grassy Narrows in downtown Toronto, and; the importance of mobilizing our individual strengths for larger movements. 

While Judy covered serious topics, it is important to note that Judy’s humor and optimism shine through. One thing she kept returning to was the resilience, leadership, adaptability, and hope of the Grassy Narrows people which cannot be understated. Judy emphasized again and again that every step forward, every legal gain, and every ounce of healing is driven by the members of Grassy Narrows.

When asked what pushes Judy to be an advocate for her community, she gently rebuffs the title, saying that she is just a person. “I don’t see myself as being an advocate. I see myself as a responsible mother, an auntie, a grandmother, and a sister. Those responsibilities are what push me.” This way of being – the shared responsibility with your relations – is what drives Grassy Narrows in their pursuit of justice. The people you see leading the River Run, on the front lines of the call for justice, are likely the most affected by mercury poisoning. Their resilience seeds the movement.

Judy took a moment near the end of the talk to dispel a common question she’d heard many times before: if you know the fish is poisoned, why do you keep eating it? Whether an earnest inquiry or one steeped in ignorance and racism, one must understand that to stop eating the fish is to give up an integral part of a Grassy Narrows member’s culture, being, and way of life. Judy stated this clearly by saying, “I’m going to keep eating the fish because it is better than me not eating the fish.” Instead of insisting that Grassy Narrows refrain from participating in their traditional practices and consuming a staple food, we must put pressure on the Canadian and Ontario governments to take responsibility, to fulfill their Treaty obligations, and to clean up the river system.

How can you get involved? Here are our key takeaways from Judy’s talk:

  1. Act: Follow the lead of the Grassy Narrows people by engaging in small actions that can have a large impact for environmental justice. Organize a community event or online fundraiser, write letters to the provincial or federal governments calling for justice, or show up in solidarity at community-led actions. 
  2. Amplify: Invite your friends to learn about Grassy Narrows together, tell your coworkers and classmates about mercury contamination and Grassy Narrows’ story
  3. Give: Donate what you can to support Grassy Narrows’ litigation
  4. Care: Take care of the environment. Notice your own impact where you live — how can you deepen your relationship with the land and waters near you? How can you care for the environment surrounding you in ways that dream of a better future?

Judy deeply believes in the power of storytelling, word-of-mouth, and sharing information with each other, telling the group of rapt listeners, “You may be one person, but you can make a great change.” 

We are so grateful for the opportunity to listen to Judy da Silva share her expertise, knowledge, and hopes for the future. Join us in supporting Grassy Narrows First Nation as they take historic legal action in the pursuit of justice. Donate now.

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