Traditional Ecological Knowledge ElderS

IN THE NEWS

TEK Elders Group are campaigning to end aerial spraying for forest tending in Anishinaabek lands, and share the following coverage of these efforts. 
Orillia Matters

For the sake of ON's forests, glyphosate use must be stopped

Glyphosate is harming Ontario's forests, threatening biodiversity and contaminating the food chain. TEK Elders are fighting to ban this herbicide, citing its devastating impact on ecosystems and treaty rights. They emphasize the interconnectedness of the land and the Anishinaabe people, highlighting the long-term consequences of glyphosate use for both human and environmental health.

Read full article here.

CBC

Stop the Spray group wants herbicides banned for Ontario forests

Stop the Spray Ontario is petitioning the province of Ontario to end the practice of spraying herbicide over Ontario forests. Currently, Quebec is the only Canadian province that bans the use of herbicides in the forestry industry.

Read full article here.

The Manitoulin Press

TEK Elders launch billboard campaign to end aerial glyphosate spraying in forestry

TEK Elders are taking their message to the streets with a powerful new billboard campaign! Twenty billboards will be displayed across Robinson Huron Treaty lands, raising awareness about the devastating effects of glyphosate on the environment and Indigenous ways of life.

Read full article here.

Into the Weeds

Canadian campaign achievements highlighted in the documentary's impact report

Into The Weeds follows groundskeeper Dewayne “Lee” Johnson and his fight for justice against Monsanto (now Bayer). The film continued on with a sixteen-month long campaign involving a new Auditor General petition asking the Ministers of Health, Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources to account for their department’s actions, or lack thereof, to tackle the impacts of glyphosate, and protect human health and the environment.

Read full report here.

Greenpeace

The Ontario government has notified First Nations that their territories are about to be sprayed with glyphosate

The Ontario government is spraying glyphosate on First Nations lands without their consent. This is harming the environment and Indigenous communities who rely on the land for their livelihoods and cultural practices. TEK Elders are fighting back, demanding a stop to this “rain of death.”.

Read full article here.

Stop the spray

Stop the Spray Coalition CALLS FOR END TO GLYPHOSATE SPRAYING

The Ontario Legislature will be voting May 16th. It is time to END glyphosate spraying in our forests.

Watch full video here.

Stay Informed: Latest News and Research on Glyphosate

Stay informed about the fight to ban glyphosate and protect our health and environment. Explore the latest news and research here.
PAN Europe

PAN successfully challenges pesticide product authorisation - major implications

PAN Europe has won a major legal battle against the approval of the fungicide Dagonis, containing the problematic substance Difenoconazole. This is a huge win for public health and the environment

Read the full article here.

ecojustice

New report reveals dramatic increase in overuse of toxic pesticides in Canada

A new report reveals a dramatic increase in pesticide use in Canada, posing risks to human health and the environment. Ecojustice calls for government action to reduce pesticide reliance and protect ecosystems. They urge a shift towards alternative pest management strategies and increased transparency in pesticide regulation.

Learn more here.

The GUardian

Health experts rally for ‘call to arms’ to protect children from toxic chemicals

A new paper in the New England Journal of Medicine calls for urgent action to protect children from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. The authors cite rising rates of childhood diseases linked to chemical exposure and criticize current regulations as inadequate. They propose a precautionary approach with stricter testing and increased transparency from chemical companies.

Read full article here.

Public Health Watch

‘We Give Manufactured Chemicals More Rights Than We Give Criminal Defendants’

Outdated chemical regulations are failing to protect kids from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Leading health experts are demanding urgent action, including a shift to a precautionary approach that puts the burden of proof on manufacturers.

Read the full article here.

ecojustice

New report reveals dramatic increase in overuse of toxic pesticides in Canada

A new report reveals a dramatic increase in pesticide use in Canada, posing risks to human health and the environment. Ecojustice calls for government action to reduce pesticide reliance and protect ecosystems. They urge a shift towards alternative pest management strategies and increased transparency in pesticide regulation.

Learn more here.

The GUardian

Health experts rally for ‘call to arms’ to protect children from toxic chemicals

A new paper in the New England Journal of Medicine calls for urgent action to protect children from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. The authors cite rising rates of childhood diseases linked to chemical exposure and criticize current regulations as inadequate. They propose a precautionary approach with stricter testing and increased transparency from chemical companies.

Read full article here.

Public Health Watch

‘We Give Manufactured Chemicals More Rights Than We Give Criminal Defendants’

Outdated chemical regulations are failing to protect kids from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Leading health experts are demanding urgent action, including a shift to a precautionary approach that puts the burden of proof on manufacturers.

Read the full article here.

Prevent Cancer Now

Primary cancer prevention is on the agenda — ask for your MP’s support

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) is planning to study Treatment and Prevention of Cancer. Prevent Cancer Now has a letter writing tool to send an email to your Member of Parliament, asking them to support the HESA cancer study, including a focus on primary prevention.

Learn more here.

Safe Food Matters

New Glyphosate studies find risks with “on-label” preharvest use

New studies on glyphosate use on barley show that even when following label instructions, pesticide residue levels can exceed the maximum limits allowed in food. This contradicts Health Canada's claim that following label directions ensures safe residue levels. These findings support arguments made by Safe Food Matters in their ongoing legal challenge against glyphosate's approval for pre-harvest use. The studies suggest a need to ban pre-harvest glyphosate use, aligning with Europe's position on the matter.

Read full article here.

The Narwhal

Glyphosate use in B.C. forestry, explained

As climate change drives more frequent and intense wildfires, the need for more diverse ecosystems — from aspen groves to grasslands — is increasingly evident.

Read the full article here.

Sustainable Pulse

Brief Exposure to Glyphosate Can Cause Lasting Damage to the Brain – New Study

A new study has been released that indicates that exposure to the world's most widely used weedkiller, glyphosate can cause damage to the brain after any direct exposure.

Read the full article here.

Canada's National Observer

Exclusive: How a federal agency colluded with a pesticide maker to silence a Canadian researcher

Shocking exposé reveals how Canada's pesticide regulator colluded with Bayer to suppress research and keep harmful pesticides on the market.

Read full article here.

Canada's National Observer

HC probes claim that govt officials helped pesticide company overturn a ban

Health Canada is investigating after Canada's National Observer revealed that government officials supported efforts by the pesticide industry to discredit a researcher's findings and overturn a proposed ban on a class of pesticides harmful to bees, the environment and human health.

Read the full article here.

Safe Food Matters

New Glyphosate studies find risks with “on-label” preharvest use

Preharvest use of glyphosate on malting barley “should not be a recommended practice”, according to the conclusion of a recent field trial report, because it risks “the quality and residue status” of the grain.

Read the full article here.

canada's National Observer

Canada's pesticide regulator was 'captured by industry' from day one

More than 20 years ago, the inaugural report by Canada's newly-formed parliamentary committee on the environment slammed the country's pesticide regulator for its lax pesticide laws and a too-cosy relationship with the pesticide industry...

"The PMRA is already a captive of the pesticide industry," the committee noted in the report.

Read the full article here.

Wilderness Committee

The Toxic Tradeoff of Glyphosate Report

Indigenous elders in Ontario are raising concerns about the aerial spraying of glyphosate on forests. TEK Elders are leading the fight to ban glyphosate arguing that glyphosate is harming the health of the environment and violating treaty and constitutional rights.

This Wilderness Committee report quotes the TEK Elders 2017 declaration on page 3.

Read full report here.

CBC

First Nations leaders in Temagami region declare ban on herbicide spraying after glyphosate spill

A recent herbicide spill in Temagami has spurred First Nations leaders to ban aerial spraying of glyphosate on their territory. They cite concerns about health risks and damage to the environment. The spill, involving 600 litres of glyphosate, highlights the dangers of this chemical and the need for stricter regulations.

Read the full article here.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE

New Study Links Glyphosate to Leukemia, Pressuring Canada’s Pesticide Regulator to Review Approvals

A new study links glyphosate to leukemia, putting pressure on Canada's pesticide regulator to review its approvals. Environmental groups are calling for an immediate ban of glyphosate, citing the study's findings and concerns about industry influence on the regulator.

Read the full article here.

The Narwhal

Goats, not glyphosate: critics see alternatives to Coastal GasLink’s herbicide plans

TC Energy plans to use herbicides, including glyphosate, along the Coastal GasLink pipeline route to manage vegetation. Critics are concerned about the potential ecological impacts and lack of public awareness. First Nations along the route have expressed concerns and alternative methods like grazing goats are being considered.

Read the full article here.

CBC

Forest herbicide contributing to wildfires

The herbicide glyphosate, used to manage many Canadian forests, has been linked to forest fires. While it can maximize profits by shaping forest growth, there are unforeseen costs.

Watch video here.

CBC

Independent scientist resigns from pesticide regulator over transparency concerns

Scientists are concerned that Canada's pesticide regulator may be exposing Canadians to harmful chemicals. One scientist resigned from the agency due to lack of transparency. They say the agency relies on outdated methods and is influenced by the pesticide industry.

Read the full article here.

ENVIRONMENTAL Working group

Let states and communities protect their citizens from pesticides

Pesticide manufacturers are pushing to limit state and local governments from regulating pesticides. This would prevent communities from enacting stronger protections against harmful chemicals like glyphosate and paraquat, even those linked to cancer and other health issues. This undermines local efforts to protect public health and the environment.

Read the full article here.

scholarly publications

Glyphosate effects on people and animals

Bartholomew, S., Winslow, W., Sharma, R., et al. (2024). Glyphosate exposure exacerbates neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology despite a 6-month recovery period in miceJournal of Neuroinflammation

Patterson, H., Bowles, E., Chiblow, S., McGregor, D., Kozmik, C., & Popp, J. (2023a). Environmental and socio-cultural impacts of glyphosate-based herbicides: perspectives from indigenous knowledge and western science. Frontiers in Conservation Science.

Rana, I., Nguyen, P. K., Rigutto, G., Louie, A., Lee, J., Smith, M. T., & Zhang, L. (2023). Mapping the key characteristics of carcinogens for glyphosate and its formulations: A systematic review. Chemosphere.

van Bruggen, A.H.C., Finchkh, M.R., He, M., Ritsema, C.J., Harkes, P., Knuth, D., & Geissen, V. (2021). Indirect effects of the herbicide glyphosate on plant, animal and human health through its effects on microbial communities. Frontiers in Environmental Science.

Kayahara, G.J. and Armstrong, C.L. (2015). Understanding First Nations rights and perspectives on the use of herbicides in forestry: A case study from northeastern Ontario. The Forestry Chroniclehttps://www.wahkohtowin.com/_files/ugd/891566_6a41a82d3c9947468b3ca38059dcc355.pdf 

Cattani, D., Liz, O. C., Heinz Rieg, C. E., Domingues, J. T., Dal-Cim, T., & Tasca, C. I. (2014). Mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity induced by glyphosate-based herbicide in immature rat hippocampus: involvement of glutamate excitotoxicity. Toxicology.

Cuhra, M., Traavik, T., & Bohn, T. (2013). Clone- and age-dependent toxicity of a glyphosate commercial formulation and its active ingredient in Daphnia magna. Ecotoxicology.

Jayasumana, C., Gunatilake, S., & Senanayake, P. (2014). Glyphosate, hard water and nephrotoxic metals: are they the culprits behind the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka? Int J Environ Res Public Health.

Mesnage, R., Bernay, B., & Seralini, G. E. (2013). Ethoxylated adjuvants of glyphosate-based herbicides are active principles of human cell toxicity. Toxicology.

Connor, J. F., & McMillan, L. M. (1990). Winter Utilization by Moose of Glyphosate-Treated Cutovers. Alces. 

Glyphosate effects on plants and trees

Izydorczyk, M. S., McMillan, T., Tittlemier, S. A., O'Donovan, J., & Tidemann, B. D. (2024). Effects of different timing and rate of glyphosate application on the residue level, grain quality, and processing performance of two Canadian malting barley varieties. Cereal Chemistry.

O'Donovan, J., Kubota, H., Harker, K.N., Turkington, T.K., May, W. et al. (2024). The effects of pre-harvest glyphosate rate and timing on yield and pre-malt quality of malting barley. Canadian Journal of Plant Science

Deighton, H. D., Bell, F. W., Thiffault, N., Searle, E. B., Leitch, M., Sharma, M., & Dacosta, J. (2021). Trade-Offs among Release Treatments in Jack Pine Plantations: Twenty-Five Year Responses. Forests.

Edge, C. B., Brown, M. I., Heartz, S., Thompson, D., Ritter, L., & Ramadoss, M. (2021). The Persistence of Glyphosate in Vegetation One Year after Application. Forests.

Wood. (2019). The presence of glyphosate in forest plants with different life strategies one year after application. Canadian Journal of Forest Research.

Florencia, M.F., Carolina, T., Enzo, B., & Leonardo, G. (2017). Effects of the herbicide glyphosate on non-target plant native species from Chaco forest (Argentina). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.

Glyphosate use

Benbrook, Charles M. (2016). Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally. Environmental Sciences Europe. 

Where Glyphosate has been found

Botten, N., Wood, L. J., & Werner, J. R. (2021). Glyphosate remains in forest plant tissues for a decade or more. Forest Ecology and Management.

Battaglin, W.A., Meyer, M.T., Kuivila, K.M., Dietze, J.E. (2014). Glyphosate and Its Degradation Product AMPA Occur Frequently and Widely in U.S. Soils, Surface Water, Groundwater, and Precipitation. Journal of the American Water Resources Association.

Mercurio, P., Flores, F., Mueller, J.F., Carter, S., Negri, A.P. (2014). Glyphosate persistence in seawater. Marine Pollution Bulletin

Herbicide alternatives 

Chapman, K., Thiffault, N., et al. (2024). Herbicide alternatives in boreal and northern temperate forests of Ontario and Quebec: A compendium of studies. The Forestry Chronicle.

PAN Europe. (2017). Alternative Methods in Weed Management to the Use of Glyphosate and Other Herbicides. 

Thiffault, N. and Roy, V. (2010). Living without herbicides in Québec (Canada): historical context, current strategy, research and challenges in forest vegetation management. European Journal of Forest Research.

International Agency for Research on Cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group. (2015). Carcinogenicity of tetrachlorvinphos, parathion, malathion, diazinon, and glyphosate. The Lancet Oncology.

Opposing conclusions on the genotoxicity of glyphosate\

Benbrook, C. M. (2019). How did the US EPA and IARC reach diametrically opposed conclusions on the genotoxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides? Environmental Sciences Europe.

Global Glyphosate Study

Website: https://glyphosatestudy.org/faqs-the-study/ 

(2018). The Need For Independent Research On The Health Effects Of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides. Environmental Health.

(2018). The Ramazzini Institute 13-Week Study On Glyphosate-Based Herbicides At Human-Equivalent Dose In Sprague Dawley Rats: Study Design And First In-Life Endpoints Evaluation. Environmental Health

(2018). The Ramazzini Institute 13-Week Pilot Study On Glyphosate And Roundup Administered At Human-Equivalent Dose To Sprague Dawley Rats: Effects On The Microbiome. Environmental Health.

Safe Food Matters

Forest Spraying 1: Based on Faulty Approval 

Forest Spraying 2: Unsafe Food (including for First Nations)

Forest Spraying 3: Forest Fires

Glyphosate in Europe

PAN Europe’s Water Report, September 2023: Glyphosate is polluting our waters – all across Europe

Navarro, I., de la Torre, A., Sanz, P., et al. (2024). Assessing pesticide residues occurrence and risks in water systems: A Pan-European and Argentina perspective. Water Research.

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