CHAPLEAU EXPRESS
Local News Weekly
705 - 864 - 2785
Free to Every Household
Vol. 29, Issue 2, September 12, 2024
705 - 864 - 0911
Grassy Narrows First Nation's Grassroots Caravan traverses Ontario to sound alarm on Mercury Injustice
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n Monday September 9, 2024 a caravan of approximately 15 Grassy Narrows First Nations Community Members are leaving the reserve to tour the Province and raise concerns over the ongoing and worsening impacts of Mercury Poisoning in their community. Chrissy Issacs, the lead organizer of the Caravan says, “This has been a decades long fight for justice – still many people don't know about the impacts that Mercury has had on our community over the last 50 years. Everyone in the community has been impacted by some combination of loss of health, loss of loved ones, loss of culture, loss of livelihoods, and social disruption.” The caravan, which is composed of Anishinaabe land defenders, will be stopping in communities on the way to Toronto to speak and
spread awareness. “Ontario has still not done the right thing to stop the ongoing poisoning of our water or compensate our people for all we have endured.” Explained Issacs. “In fact, under Doug Ford, Ontario has only increased the threats to our safety by making it easier for Mining to harm us. We believe that when everyday people hear our story, they will want to see their government do the right thing. We hope this caravan will add to the pressure of our community's recent lawsuits and together we can force the government to finally honour Mercury Sufferers.” Caravan Educational Stops Schedule: September 9 Dryden, Thunder Bay; September 11 Pic River; September 12 Sault St. Marie; September 13th Sudbury; September 14 Six Nations; September 16-18 Toronto.
Once in Toronto, the Caravan will meet with dozens of other community members and participate in a series of events in Toronto from September 16-18 to bring attention to the ongoing issues of mercury poisoning and its lasting effects on the community. These events will culminate in a large Rally on September 16 where thousands of supporters are expected to attend. The series of events is called River Run 2024: Walk with Grassy Narrows for Mercury Justice and will include a community dinner, an art build, a creative rally and more. River Run 2024 calls for compensation for everyone in Grassy Narrows for the ongoing mercury crisis, and respect for Grassy Narrows' Indigenous Protected Area. These events are organized by grassroots Grassy Narrows people and are endorsed by Grassy Narrows Chief and Council.
Ontario Enhancing Tools to Help People Prepare for Respiratory Illness Season Flu, COVID-19 vaccines and expanded RSV immunization program expected by early October for those at risk
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he Ontario government is reminding everyone to stay safe this respiratory illness season and prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital by staying up to date on vaccinations. To protect against serious illness throughout the upcomLong Term ing respiratory illness Forecast season, it is recomThursday mended everyone get High 27 their flu and COVID-19 Low 14 shots as soon as they Friday become available to High 28 them. Low 14 “As we approach Saturday this respiratory illness High Low
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season, our government is ensuring Ontarians are prepared and have the tools they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We are working closely with our partners to make it easier for people of all ages to be protected this fall and access the care they need close to home and within their community.” Starting in early October, flu shots will be available for the most vulnerable and high priority populations, including hospitalized individuals, hospital staff, and residents and staff in long-term care homes, followed by those in retirement homes and other congregate settings
and individuals 65 years and older. Free flu shots for the general public aged six months and older will be available starting October 28, 2024, at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, participating pharmacies and some public health units. To learn more about the flu shot this fall, visit Ontario.ca/flu. It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy. Ontario expects to receive shipments of the updated COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government by early October following approval by Health Cont’d on P.2
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