b"ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDCULTURE & ADVOCACYGrassy Narrows resident Judy Da Silva has been a lifelong advocate for the environment, including fighting against mercury poisoning in the community's river system. Photo courtesy of Taina Da SilvaDo you go by Judy or Judith, what isWhat work are you most I can. Putting myself out, even when it is hard your preference? Please tell us aboutpassionate about? like the winter, I give my all to our people. yourself.These are my passions.Before I had my children, I used to do I prefer Judy. I am Anishinabe Kweg,artwork and that was my passion. SinceDo you sometimes do clothing drives? I am a Mother, Grandmother, Auntie.Ive had my children, they are what I am I am a Wife. I am a Pipe Carrier. I ammost passionate about. My kids help meI will ask my connections for items that a a Traditional Knowledge Keeper and ato be strong when I am weak. I am a Pipeyoung mother may need or for winter jackets Traditional Knowledge User. I am fromCarrier and the pipe I carry is over 6,000or shoes. I know I have access to privileged Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation,years old; it is from the mountains. Andpeople, and they have access to other privileged also known as Grassy Narrows. I am thethis is my other passionour culturepeople. They mail me items to give away, and environmental health coordinator for theand our way of life. It is not a hobby; it First Nation and before this I was theis everyday life. Being in the wigwam isif we have extra, we share with the fellowship daycare administrator. From that position,everyday life. During the pandemic it iscentre, friendship centre or with the Jubilee I became interested in the health area,Zoom meetings from the wigwam andChurch. There are so many people in need. knowing the impact of the water on theit is who I am every day. This is where ISo, we share what we have and can get from children in our daycare. In 2014, afteram most comfortable and grounded. Theothers because people do want to help. I use many contaminant studies, I was placed inancestors are here with me, and they helpthese contacts to reach out and try to help our my current role. I saw the condition of theme to help others. Helping people is whatpeople, and its not just me, its my family as people in my community, the children, theI also love to do. If I see someone in need,well. We make care packages for those that Elders, and I knew we needed to fix it. I reach out and do what I can, howeverneed them and thats one way we help. Ontario Native Womens Association61"