Assembly of First Nations Supports the Positions of First Nations Meeting
with U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

OTTAWA, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued the following statement in support of Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Chief Jim Boucher of the Fort McKay First Nation regarding their meeting today with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Ms. Nancy Pelosi to discuss oil sands in the Alberta region:

"First Nations across the country are concerned about the impacts of oil sands development on First Nations peoples, the environment, our traditional foods, our cultural and spiritual practices and our ability to exercise our rights in our traditional territories. It is crucial that First Nation voices are heard as these meetings may influence U.S. energy policies and purchases of Canadian energy.

The health impacts of the oil sands have been raised in recent studies such as the one by David Schindler of the University of Alberta, which is very critical of the Province of Alberta and the oil sands industry for failing to effectively monitor the Athabasca River.  The study found that in the summer months the oil sands industry releases all thirteen of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 'priority pollutants'.  These include mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel among others, in concentrations that exceed those recommended by either Alberta or Canada for the protection of aquatic life.

We are also extremely disturbed by the high rate of cancer in the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. We support Chief Adam in his call for an independent health study to examine the residents of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to assess potential health damage that may be caused by oil sands development.

Any development must respect the environment, First Nation peoples, Treaty and Aboriginal title and rights.  To that end, meaningful consultation with any First Nation that may be affected by future projects is a necessity in order to protect lives and livelihoods. 

The AFN is encouraged that the U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, is meeting with First Nations to discuss this pressing and contentious issue. The AFN supports the positions of First Nations and urges the U.S. government to take into consideration and accommodate the concerns of First Nations peoples regarding oil sands development. We also maintain that First Nation leaders and communities must be involved in all future discussions, negotiations and deliberations on the issue."

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information:

Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
Cell: 613-292-0857 or [email protected]