Connections: The Water, the Fish and the Health of Rainy River First Nations

Mercury has been a primary contaminant of interest for many First Nations communities across Canada. This study highlights the continued efforts of Rainy River First Nations to monitor their exposure to mercury.

Hair samples were collected from members of the Rainy River First Nations and analysed for total mercury. In addition, a dietary survey was carried out to determine how their levels of fish consumption compare to those recommended by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, based on the mercury content of the fish they ate.

The results of the hair analysis showed that while all the participants in the study sample had some background exposure to mercury, none exceeded the Health Canada guidelines with the exception of one outlier, in which a single hair sample in one individual was slightly elevated. However, this individual reported consuming very low quantities of walleye, which could not explain the elevated result. The study authors recommended further investigation of this single outlier. They also concluded that, in general, no changes in consumption habits were required for walleye, northern pike and whitefish harvested from the Manitou Rapids.