A new report, written by Environmental Defence Canada (EDC) and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) highlights the growth of Alberta’s tailings “ponds” in the oil sands from 1975 until 2020. This collaborative report maps out the devastating growth and impact of tailings over the last 45 years on the environment and downstream communities.

Keepers of the Water is proud to have contributed to the research that was included in this collaborative report released on Tuesday May 23rd, 2022.

Downstream communities have learned not to trust the waters

Tailings chemicals make their way into surrounding natural waters through seepage in the ground and through the natural water cycles, as evaporation from the ponds becomes rain or snow hundreds of kilometres away from the source.

For Fort McKay residents, there is an additional concern regarding the waste from the “man camps,” the temporary housing where workers stay. It is unclear to Fort McKay residents where the domestic wastewater from man camps ends up.

The water is being harmed by industrial activities and results in the broken trust in the water, so local communities no longer drink it.

Keepers of the Water welcomes your donations to help grow our reach and sustain our work. It is through your generosity that we have grown and are able to expand our reach.

To make a general donation, click here. If you would like to make a contribution to a specific campaign we are working on, please contact our Office Manager, Brandon Gauchier by email at finance@keepersofthewater.ca.

If you have questions about other ways you can support our work, please reach out to Jesse Cardinal, KOW Executive Director, by email at ed@keepersofthewater.ca.

ABOUT:

Keepers of the Water

The Keepers of the Water movement was born in Liidlii Kui, Denendeh/Fort Simpson, NWT during the late summer in 2006. Meeting on the shores of the great Deh Cho (Mackenzie River), a gathering of Elders from the North created the Keepers of the Water Declaration. Keepers of the Water are First Nations, Métis, Inuit, environmental groups, concerned citizens, and local communities working together for the protection of Water, air, land, and all living things within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin.

CPAWS Northern Alberta

Nationally, CPAWS’ vision is to protect at least half of our public land and water so that future generations can experience Canada’s irreplaceable wilderness. CPAWS uses a collaborative approach with crown and Indigenous governments, communities, progressive companies, and other environmental organizations to achieve conservation solutions. The CPAWS Northern Alberta Chapter (CPAWS NAB) was one of the society’s first designated regional chapters, formed in 1968. CPAWS Northern Alberta’s focus is on the northern two-thirds of the province.

Environmental Defence Canada

Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.