MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort Chipewyan First Nations and U of Manitoba Scientists Release Environmental and Human Health Report
July &, 2014, Edmonton, AB – The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) leadership along with University of Manitoba scientists are gathering in Edmonton to release the long awaited report Environmental and Human Health Implications of the Athabasca Oil Sands. For the first time this report characterizes the impacts of upstream industrial activities on wildlife, environmental and especially human health. ACFN and MCFN worked closely with the University of Manitoba scientists to evaluate contaminant levels, potential exposure of community members, and to explore the implications for human health and wellbeing through a cross-cultural blend of western science and traditional ecological knowledge.
The findings of this report bring alarming new data that document elevated levels of the environmental contaminants in the foods traditionally harvested by the First Nations in the region. The report also looked at the human health of individuals in the community and concluded high levels of cancer that are significantly and positively associated with participant employment in the Oil Sands as well as the consumption of traditional foods and locally caught fish.
This report was completed in part through funding provided by the National First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program, Health Canada, SSHRC, ACFN and the MCFN. The report was Phase Two of a long-term project and was prepared by Stephane M. McLachlan, PhD from the University of Manitoba Environmental Conservation Laboratory. The report was peer reviewed.
For more information: Eriel Deranger, ACFN Communications Coordinator 780-903-6598
Where & when:
July 7th, 2014
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Downtown Courtyard Marriot
1 Thornton Court
99 Street
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