Alberta Oil Sands
Effects on the First Nations
EFFECTS
Environment & Wildlife
- deforestation of the boreal forest
- the amount of carbon that is absorbed by the trees has drastically decreased
- increase of greenhouse gas emissions
- pond tailing seepage is released into the Athabasca River which is contaminating the water (approx. leaks 11 million L of contaminated water/day)
- toxic water=affecting the food webs and chains of the Natives living within the area and downstream communities
- over consumption of water (approx. 4 barrels of water=1 barrel of oil)
- water levels have been on a decline
- loss of animals and their habitats
- disrupts the migration process for bird species
Health
- increase in diseases, cancers, tumors, and infections
- 30% increase in the amount of cancers within the last 12 years
- way above national averages for many illnesses
- those living in the area and in downstream communities of the Athabasca River feel the effects of the polluted water
- are unable to eat the contaminated fish, which is a vital food source for the First Nations
- fish deformities are becoming more common
- Examples: Leukemia, Lymphomas, Bile Duct, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, and Lung Cancer
Social
- animals that are vital to traditions, hunting, and eating practices are being contaminated
- contracts made between the government and First Nations are being violated
- Treaty 6 signed in 1876: VIOLATED
- Treaty 8 signed in 1899: VIOLATED
- strained relations with the government and the oil companies