After over 20 years of community requests, a federally funded study is set to investigate the health effects of the oilsands on residents of Fort Chipewyan, an Indigenous community in northern Alberta. Many locals have long suspected a connection between cancer cases in Fort Chipewyan and the industrial projects upstream along the Athabasca River. The study will analyze current and past health data, observe local disease trends, and assess the impact of environmental changes on the community’s well-being and way of life.
Named Project Monument Hill, the 10-year, $12-million study was initiated by the federal government in August 2024, with initial funding received in March for the planning and governance phase. The study 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.
Combining Western scientific methods with Indigenous land knowledge, the study aims to understand the correlation between environmental conditions, traditional land usage, and the health of the community. Dr. John O’Connor, a vocal advocate since 2006, expressed satisfaction with the study but highlighted the need for a shorter timeline due to the urgency of the situation.
Previous reports on cancer in Fort Chipewyan focused on medical records and health trends, omitting individuals who had moved away for cancer treatment. Studies have shown elevated cancer rates in the community, with concerns about heavy metals and industrial pollutants in locally harvested plants and animals. The new study intends to delve deeper into the impact of environmental changes on the health of Indigenous people, moving beyond surface-level statistics to address community concerns.