The detrimental effects of water contamination are not only seen in water systems and the surrounding environments, but in the First Nations people themselves. Physical and psychological ailments put many at a disadvantage to find suitable career paths, travel, and even complete daily household tasks.
In Grassy Narrows First Nation, mercury poisoning makes affected residents six times more likely to suffer from health problems that will weaken them (Prokopchuk, 2018). Mercury poisoning can be brought on by the consumption of contaminated water or fish. Due to the communities low income and isolation, they continue to be largely reliant on fish as a food source. Apart from physical ailments, a report showed those who suffered were “almost six times more likely to have a neuropsychological disorder” (CBC, 2018). The combination of these effects results in significant distress, with around 28% of respondents from a survey conducted having said they had attempted suicide.
Residents of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation are at a significant disadvantage in terms of acquiring resources, such as clean water. The importation of bottled water has cost over $100,000 (Nadeem et al., 2018), diverting money away from other costs such as sustaining infrastructure. During winter months, community members must cross a frozen lake to access goods and services as the ferry systems and winter roads are not operational (Lorraine, 2016). Multiple people have lost their lives simply attempting to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families.
