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With employment solved, attention turned to legalities, clean up and social justice. A royal commission created in 1977 headed by Justice Patrick Hartt of the Supreme Court inquired in to the major developments as a result of mercury at Grassy Narrows and Whitedog. Upon investigation Hartt realized the problems each reserve was facing were not confined to mercury exposure, but the years of oppression experienced. The mercury merely compounded the situation, making it intolerable for those involved. He suggested a mediation process in order to solve the problems facing the communities however, the Ojibwa people were met with inaction on the part of the Ontario Government. Six years after the mediation began an agreement was reached. On November 25, 1995 a total of 16.7 million dollars in compensation would be given to the residents of Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations. The Federal Government contributed 16% of the total amount followed by the provincial government giving 13%. The major contributors were Reed Paper Limited contributing 34% and the Great Lakes Forest Products putting forth 36%. Great Lakes Forest Products was required to contribute a portion because they purchased the Dryden mill from Reed Paper. Faced with the requirement to upgrade building standards, Reed Paper opted to sell the mill resolving itself from the responsibility. The compensation received by Whitedog and Grassy Narrows was used as a catalyst for change to rebuild their community.10
Nineteen years after compensation, mercury is still causing havoc on the First Nations communities. Just recently the two communities have commissioned a study to examine health problems associated with mercury dumping. |
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