A financing agreement for a mercury-poisoned care facility in Grassy Narrows evokes both happy and sad emotions.

On Monday, hundreds of Grassy Narrows First Nation people sat in the bleachers around the powwow grounds for a feast. The aroma of freshly fried walleye wafted out from behind the aluminium wrap that was keeping them warm. Children rushed across the grounds, kicking soccer balls and dancing to keep new hula hoops above their hips, while smoke from neighbouring wildfires hung in the air.

It was a "historic day" for the Treaty 3 First Nation, which has roughly 1,000 people residing on the reserve located 80 kilometres north of Kenora, as Chief Randy Fobister would later describe it. As mid-afternoon came, members of the community, young and old, watched Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller step out of a vehicle, surrounded by aides.

He came there to announce roughly $69 million in financing for long-term care and services at a treatment centre that, if constructed, would give specialised treatment to First Nations individuals who have mercury poisoning. This is in addition to the $19.5 million pledged in April 2020 for the facility's development, which is scheduled to open in 2023.

After dining side by side in front of the community, Miller and Fobister signed the Mercury Care Home Framework Agreement, pledging the federal government to supply the First Nation with critical health care. Applause erupted as the pens slid across the paper. Cameras flashed and photos were shot, showing relief smiles on people's faces.

Fobister and Miller then rose from the folding tables and strolled beside one another around the powwow grounds, circle the drumbeat. Members in the community followed suit. "It's a huge step toward the end aim, which is trying to make the people well, those who are impacted by mercury," Fobister told. "It's taken a long time."

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