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Labrador, Canada: First Nations Activists Win Protection from Mercury

HeadlineOct 31, 2016

In Labrador, Canada, First Nations activists are declaring victory following their occupation of a hydroelectric dam construction site. Members of Labrador’s Inuit and Innu Nations took over the site on October 22, demanding that the company behind the megaproject take steps to prevent the poisoning of traditional food sources like fish and seal with toxic methylmercury. The occupiers won a promise that any decision to flood the area, which could release the mercury, will be subject to scientific review. Meanwhile, a journalist who documented the occupation faces an order to appear in court. Justin Brake, editor of The Independent online newspaper in Newfoundland, followed activists onto the dam site after they cut through a gate. He’s been ordered to appear before a judge by November 10 to face contempt of court charges.

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