While plastics are negotiated internationally, a First Nation breathes toxic air in Chemical Valley – National Observer

November 28th 2024

Aamjiwnaang First Nation is backed into a corner, surrounded by industrial flares, noise and toxic emissions.

This area in southern Ontario, now the country’s largest concentration of refineries, has been the nation’s home since time immemorial, where Aamjiwnaang harvested food and medicine for generations. Now, thanks to the petrochemical industry and successive governments’ reluctance to rein in pollution, it’s known as Chemical Valley, where some of the worst air quality in the country has been recorded, leading to high rates of cancer, childhood asthma and miscarriages. The United Nations has called Chemical Valley a “sacrifice zone.”

But Aamjiwnaang First Nation isn’t willing to sacrifice anything. After unsuccessfully pursuing different approaches to pressure governments to finally tackle the pollution crisis, it’s taking the matter to the global stage.

Read More: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/11/28/news/plastic-treaty-first-nation-breathes-toxic-air