Canadian Tar Sands Projects Under Fire From Aboriginal Groups

Tar Sands projects have a history of controversy and the Canadian Tar Sands projects are now facing increasing pressure from local Aboriginal groups who say that Alberta is violating Aboriginal rights and treaty obligations in tar sands development regions.

The claim is that a scathing report on how these rights are being violated has been buried by Alberta authorities – a claim that these authorities reject.

The report was put together by a panel that was appointed by government and reportedly contains information on numerous violations in terms of respect of planning for land use and the traditional rights and cultural concerns of the Aboriginal peoples of the area where the tar sands developments are taking place.

A Canadian national news channel obtained a copy of the report which showed that the panel agreed with almost every concern that was raised by representatives of the the First Nations.

According to a senior communications manager for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations, which is located close to the tar sands sites the developments remain mired in controversy. Some of the concerns raised included a falling oil price, a stagnant economy and now the latest accusations that the Alberta government has failed to live up to their responsibilities when it comes to Aboriginal rights.

Representatives claim that they have only received a preliminary copy of the report after numerous delays. A spokesperson for the Alberta Environment Ministry says that the report was not delayed for any nefarious reason but that the government was merely crafting a considered response to the many recommendations contained in it, and that any response can only be forthcoming after close consultation with the communities that are affected by its findings.

One of the accusations is that the recommendations and any potential action plan if being treated as a ‘hot potato’ by the central government which is actively trying to pass responsibility to government on the federal level.

It was also noted that the problems include the contamination of traditional food sources such as Moose in the tar sands areas. This contamination includes the presence of heavy metals and hydrocarbons. The presence of arsenic, as well as mercury was also found in some species of wild duck in the area.

Many traditional trappers and others who live off the land are concerned that within a very short period of time it will simply not be possible to enjoy their traditional way of life.

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