Pollution flows downstream

Several First Nations live downstream from the Tar Sands, the most environmentally destructive project on earth, and rely on the rivers, lakes and forests nearby for fresh water and food. The people of Fort Chipewyan, including thee Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations, have repeatedly raised concerns about the impacts on Tar Sands development on their health and the health of the surrounding ecosystems they depend on.
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Suppressing honest health concerns

A study by the Alberta Cancer Board confirmed that the people of Fort Chipewyan are experiencing higher than normal rates of cancer. Deformed fish, declining numbers of waterfowl and strange tasting water have added to the residents' concern. When Dr. John O'Connor, a local doctor, began to voice his concern about the increasing number of cases of a rare form of cancer in Fort Chipewyan, the response was to launch an investigation of him and discredit his findings.

The controversy surrounding the impacts of the Tar Sands on local communities and the government's failure to respect Aboriginal rights and title to their land is growing. The Beaver Lake, Chipewyan Prairie and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations are all suing Alberta over the destruction of their traditional hunting and fishing grounds. Watch this clip describing the lawsuit >>

“Both the federal and provincial governments have failed our Aboriginal community for the sake of money, for the sake of corporate interests and for the sake of increasing energy exports to the United States. We are seeing disheartening toxicity levels in our animal life and have now received confirmation of unacceptable cancer rates to people in our community. As a people who have been here for thousands of years, we are sad that no one will listen and that government sits back and issues denials and publicity campaigns without substance." — Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

Exposing the world's dirtiest oil

In February 2009, we teamed up with the Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations to place a full-page ad in USA Today, depicting Canadian Tar Sands oil oozing over the continental United States. We picked up some major media attention on both sides of the border, and started framing the Tar Sands debate.
Learn more about the Tar Sands and get involved >>