After continuous requests from residents spanning more than twenty years, a study funded by the federal government will commence to investigate the health impacts of the oilsands on individuals in Fort Chipewyan, an Indigenous community situated in northern Alberta. Many community members, residing over 200 kilometers north of Fort McMurray, have long suspected a correlation between cancer cases in Fort Chipewyan and the industrial developments upstream along the Athabasca River. The Kearl mine operated by Imperial Oil, where a 5.3-million-litre wastewater spill occurred in 2023, is located approximately 140 kilometers away from Fort Chipewyan, with the closest project being Suncor Energy’s Fort Hills mine situated over 90 kilometers away.
The upcoming research will analyze current and past health data, investigate local disease patterns, and monitor both individuals and the environment. It will also assess how environmental alterations are influencing the community’s culture and daily routines. Ruby Ladouceur, the president of the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, emphasized that the intention is not to assign blame but to seek clarity on the situation. The study, named Project Monument Hill after a local viewpoint overlooking Fort Chipewyan and Lake Athabasca, will be conducted by independent researchers under the oversight of the Métis Nation, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), and the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), with the federal government in an observer role.
The federal government announced the $12-million, decade-long study in August 2024, with initial funding received in March for the planning and governance phase. Ladouceur highlighted that the study’s approach will blend western scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge of the land to better comprehend the relationship between environmental conditions, traditional land use, and the health of the community. Dr. John O’Connor, a vocal advocate regarding cancer concerns in Fort Chipewyan since 2006, expressed satisfaction that the study is finally underway but voiced concerns about the lengthy ten-year timeline.
Past examinations of cancer cases in Fort Chipewyan focused primarily on medical records and health trends, often excluding individuals who had relocated, including those seeking cancer treatments. Previous studies indicated elevated cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan compared to the rest of Alberta. Additionally, research revealed the presence of heavy metals and industrial contaminants in wildlife and vegetation consumed by the community, suggesting potential health risks. Despite earlier reports downplaying the significance of industrial exposure in cancer rates, community leaders in Fort Chipewyan pushed for a comprehensive, long-term health study rather than mere statistical reviews.
The new study aims to delve into the impact of environmental changes on the health of Indigenous peoples and their community, prioritizing these aspects over lifestyle factors. Limited publicly available data exists regarding the connection between cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan and the alterations in the environment caused by oilsands activities. Community members have long voiced concerns about the pervasive issue and its widespread effects on every individual in Fort Chipewyan, underscoring the urgency of the investigation.