Indigenous communities in Northern Alberta say the federal government kept crucial information covered up regarding a contaminated dock site in their community.
Leadership of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation said they want the federal government to clean up the area, conduct further environmental testing, and “hold those that lied to us to account.”
The Transport Canada dock, known locally as the ‘Big Dock’ is used to hunt, trap and fish by local residents. It is also the spot that local children learn to swim, where the community holds annual fishing derbies, and near the water intake for the town’s drinking supply.
The dock was built in 1961 and has not been upgraded, treated or repaired in years. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has in the past also urged Ottawa to repair and upgrade the dock.
Earlier this summer, the Auditor General of Canada released a report outlining the shocking scale of this problem across Canada’s north. The Federal Crown is responsible for thousands of contaminated sites and has a spotty history of informing community members of the risks posed by these sites.
Uranium ore was also historically brought to the dock, but not unloaded at this location. However, the report cites a 1997 report found gamma radiation on-site in a previous assessment.
Indigenous leaders in the area say they were never told the area was contaminated, despite Ottawa trying to sell them the dock since 2013.
Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam gave an update to his community on Facebook.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says it is aware of the concerns raised by Fort Chipewyan’s leadership and is working with local leaders on the matter.
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand’s office shared that based on risk assessments done over the years which took uses like fishing and swimming into account, there is “no risk to human health”.
Leaders of the three nations are urging people to avoid the dock and to not consume fish, plants or animals from the waterfront area. Health-screening and healing circles are also being made available.
“We deserve answers from Minister Anand and the officials at Transport Canada. This contamination was withheld from us by at least 15 officials in Transport Canada and by three Ministers offices. This exposed the entire community, particularly children, to a variety of carcinogenic chemicals for years. This is particularly appalling and immoral considering the risk our community faces from exposure to pollutants from upstream industrial activities. We demand that Transport Canada immediately table an action plan to clean up and repair their site.”
– Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief, Allan Adam
I believe in moving forward, we need to have defining moments as to how we adjust our relationship, it’s important that we acknowledge the inherit rights of the Indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan and how important it is to them to have access to on-the-land activities and to be able to provide for their families like they have done for centuries. I am open to options, clear community dialogue, and having all parties at the table.”
– Fort Chipewyan Metis President Kendrick Cardinal
“With reconciliation being at the forefront of the government agenda, it’s appalling this situation has never been brought to our attention. We demand answers and want immediate action to address this.” The health of our people is our top priority, we will not stand idle in the face of government inaction on this.”
– Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro
