[IPSM] Dehcho, Chipewyan nations call for oilsands moratorium

[Macdonald Stainsby]

First Nations call for oilsands moratorium

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | 12:38 PM CT
CBC News North

Northern First Nations are calling for a halt to further development in
Alberta's oilsands, saying the massive industrial growth is hurting
their land, their water and their people.

Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian told a news conference
in Fort McMurray Tuesday the effect of the massive development can be
felt downstream along the Mackenzie River system.

"When our people go visit their fish nets or harvest their waterfowl
they're definitely seeing a problem with the water," said Norwegian, who
is meeting with native leaders from northern Alberta this week.

The health of the Mackenzie River system is paramount to the Northwest
Territories' Dehcho people, who still rely on fishing and hunting, he said.

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation band councillor Allan Adam said Lake
Athabasca's water level has dropped nearly three metres in the past 20
years.

"You can walk all the way to the south shore of Lake Athabasca with
probably hip waders on — that's how shallow the water has gone," he said.

He thinks the lower levels are due to the massive amounts of water taken
out of the watershed during the oil production process.

Although the federal and provincial governments have failed to act on
the issue to date, Adam he said it's not too late for them to protect
the water resource.

-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope
    --Bertholt Brecht.


-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope
    --Bertholt Brecht.