June 4, 2024

Find out more about Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Protected Area

by Youth Advisory Council (2023-2024 Cohort)

In the heart of the Boreal Forest, the Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Protected Area is home to a variety of life. Before indsutrial logging, the forest was abundant with different types of wildlife, from moose to caribou to wolverines. Local medicinal plants are known and used by the Grassy Narrows’ people, including treatments for diabetes, heart, sterility, and skin problems.

Since December 2002, the Grassy Narrows First Nation has been fighting against industrial logging in their territory. In 2007, they declared a moratorium on all industrial activity. And in 2018, they enacted a Land Declaration – enshrining into their law a ban on all mineral staking, exploration, mining, and logging in their territory.

Approximately 50% of Grassy Narrows’ land has been logged. Massive clear-cuts from logging corporations destroy trap lines, eliminate berry and medicine patches, damage the soils, and disrupt wildlife populations.

Before they left, Abitibi Corporation cut almost all of the Woodland Caribou habitat remaining from earlier loggings between 1999-2004. The Woodland Caribou (Boreal population) were added to the Species at Risk registry in 2003 and are currently listed as a threatened species.

Harmful industrial practices have also been releasing mercury into local rivers for 45 years – increasing methylation, damaging habitats, local biodiversity, watersheds, employment and traditional ways of life.

A pulp mill in Dryden dumped 20,000 pounds of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system in the ’60s, causing symptoms of mercury poisoning in over 90% of the Grassy Narrows population. The government has also allowed a pulp mill to discharge effluent in the river, even today, that increases the formation of the most toxic form of mercury.

Want to be an ally to the movement to recognize Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Protected Area? Spread the word by sharing this post, circulating the Free Grassy petition, or hosting a movie screening. To learn more about how you can help, go to JaneGoodall.ca/IPCAs.