Eastern Edge Gallery stands in solidarity with Billy Gauthier, a sculptor from North West River, Labrador, who has vowed not to eat until the provincial government guarantees that they prevent methylmercury poisoning of Labrador's waters by clearing the reservoir at Muskrat Falls hydroelectric development prior to flooding. “As the artist-run centre in our province dedicated to supporting artists and providing a supportive space for art that speaks to issues in contemporary art and society, we want to show our support for Billy, an artist who is showing us the depths of his concern for the future of his home,” says Chair of the Board John Weber.  

Billy is now on day five of his hunger strike, and has said: “I am only one life and I am willing to give up mine,” over this issue. EE joins in with many other voices to urge the federal and provincial governments to review and act on new evidence from a Harvard study showing that methylmercury levels will increase in Lake Melville and create harmful exposures this chemical for generations. These increases in methylmercury exposures jeopardize Inuit health, culture and rights. Science demonstrates that fully clearing the reservoir area of topsoil, wood, trees and brush can mitigate harmful methylmercury increases.

For more information on Billy's Gauthier's hunger strike and the Nunatsiavut government's official stance on this issue visit: makemuskratright.com