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Podcast: This Matters
Episode: Mercury contamination linked to high youth suicide attempt rate in Grassy Narrows First Nation
Description: WARNING: This story contains sensitive subject matter, including suicide and self-harm, that could be triggering for some readers. Guest: Sheila Wang, investigative reporter A new study has revealed that tons of mercury dumped as industrial waste upstream of Grassy Narrows First Nations decades ago has contributed to the community’s youth attempting suicide at a rate three times higher than that of other First Nations in Canada. Residents of the community have long reported tremors, slurred speech, impaired hearing, tunnel vision and lost muscle co-ordination, but this is the first time a direct connection has bee...