On September 18, 2024, we marched with over 8,000 people in solidarity with the Asupeechoseewagong Grassy Narrows First Nation in their fight for mercury justice and access to clean water. Contamination concerns date back to the 1960s and ’70s when the Dryden Paper Mill dumped around nine tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River.
Shyanna Medicine, our trailblazing Executive Board member representing the Indigenous seat, led the charge in bringing SEIU Healthcare to River Run 2024.
The River Run march, a pivotal event held every two years, shines a light on critical issues — next time, we’ll need even more of you to show up to make an even bigger impact.
“Last week, Chief Turtle, walked to Queen’s Park with over a hundred of my Grassy Narrows people and 8,000 of our supporters. We were there to demand that Premier Doug Ford stop the Dryden pulp mill from releasing chemicals that poison Grassy Narrows people, including our babies and children. This extremely important event was one of the largest ever for Indigenous justice in Toronto.
In spite of the grave and urgent risks to Grassy Narrows people and the clear responsibility of the Government of Ontario, Premier Ford has been utterly silent in response to these demands. No investigation was launched, and no action was taken to stop the release of dangerous chemicals into our life-giving river. When Ford finally did speak, a week later, he ignored our demands and mischaracterized what took place at our event.”
Chief Rudy Turtle Contributor | The Toronto Star
In steps toward Truth and Reconciliation, provincial and federal governments must uphold their treaty responsibilities.
GRASSY NARROWS’ DEMANDS:
- Compensate Grassy Narrows fairly for the ongoing Mercy Juma Okandeury crisis.
- End industrial threats to Grassy Narrows (no mining, no logging, no nuclear waste).
- Support Grassy Narrows in restoring their way of life and wellness.
Both the provincial and federal governments need to uphold their treaty responsibilities.
SEIU Healthcare’s Commitment
At the Social Justice Educational on September 30, 2024, marking the fourth-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, President Tyler Downey made a significant announcement:
SEIU Healthcare will launch an Indigenous Internship Program in 2025.
This initiative is a key part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, and we’re excited to build pathways for Indigenous voices in healthcare leadership. Stay connected for updates on our mobile app, email and social media as we prepare to roll out this important program.
A Message from Jackie Walker, SEIU Healthcare Vice President
With a heart full of solidarity and respect for the Indigenous communities that have long endured challenges, injustices and erasure. I was honoured to march alongside the Grassy Narrows First Nation, seniors deeply concerned about the direction of our world, and students passionately fighting for a better future.
This was our first time at River Run. Solidarity means we need even more people to show up and use our purple power to fight for justice for Indigenous people. Being an ally means listening to hidden or erased voices, learning overlooked history and honouring the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Doug Ford’s failure to hear the pleas of hundreds from Grassy Narrows is disappointing and shameful. After years of devastation to their land, they deserved to be heard—not ignored and diverted. Instead of listening, he turned his back on them once again. #SHAME
We must be present—not just in moments of crisis or celebration, but consistently as unwavering supporters. Indigenous communities have often been at the forefront of struggles for land rights, environmental protection, cultural preservation and the fight against systemic racism and inequality.
In solidarity,
Jackie Walker
Executive Vice President
