November 2, 2026
Majestic Moerland
In the 1960s, the Dryden Paper Mill dumped nearly 9 tonnes of toxic chemicals in the English-Wabigoon River system. Methylmercury continues to be generated in the river system and causes mercury poisoning in over 90% of the community of Grassy Narrows First Nation.
This presentation is intended for Grade 10 Science and Social Studies students, but can be adapted for different age levels.
After participating in this presentation, students will be able to:
- Understand bioaccumulation, biomagnification and contamination through trophic levels and food webs.
- Understand the impacts of mercury poisoning.
- Recognize how mercury poisoning impacts the community of Grassy Narrows First Nation’s health, and social, environmental, economic and cultural practices.
- Understand environmental racism.
- Gain a more holistic perspective as to how our actions impact the environment and ultimately impacts humans.
- Understand the connection Indigenous communities can have with water, through culture, subsistence, and overall livelihood.
This set of resources includes:
- Presentation with notes
- Student Worksheet
- Student Worksheet Answer Key
- Kahoot Answer Key and Additional Assignment
- Additional Resource Guide
- List of related curricular outcomes (Manitoba curriculum)
- Bibliography
If you would like to make a request for a University of Manitoba student to deliver this presentation to your class, please fill out the request form on our Water Justice Speakers Bureau page.
