Grant: Project Grant

For 60 years, the people of Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) have endured the effects of massive mercury contamination of their river system, central to their traditions, culture, livelihood and diet. In 1970, government biomonitoring programs revealed high mercury concentrations in hair, blood and umbilical cord blood. In 2015, Grassy Narrows First Nation initiated the first comprehensive Community Health Assessment (GN-CHA) survey in collaboration with our research team. This has developed into a community-academic research partnership. Through our common efforts, we have collected and/or generated health-related data, which include: the GN-CHA survey, mercury biomarker data (1970- 1997) and results of the 2021/22 Niibin study, which involved extensive questionnaires, testing and examinations (neurologic and systemic disorders, psychological status, visual, motor and sensory functions). Using appropriate statistical methods, we will: (1) describe the main outcomes of the Niibin study, with respect to socio-demographic variables and lifestyle; (2) develop new constructs to better reflect pre-clinical and clinical deficits and dysfunction; (3) examine the association between past and current mercury exposure and measured outcomes and new constructs; (4) analyze longitudinal changes between 2016/17 - 2021/22; (5) develop a Data Management Plan for future community needs. Throughout this project, we will hold regular gatherings of the academics, clinicians, community members, the Mercury Justice team, and the Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home and Wellness Centre. Our partnership has been very successful in translating our findings into improving healthcare access and individual compensation. The present project will serve to better understand the lasting effects of mercury exposure, necessary for the improvement of health and well-being of Grassy Narrows and other mercury-impacted communities in Canada and elsewhere.