I live on the bank of Athabasca River and every day I see the impacts of the water withdrawals from industry. I was raised on the Athabasca River at a place called Poplar Point 95 km downriver from where I currently reside.  My ancestors and my father Norbert is buried at Poplar Point.  I travel the Athabasca quite frequently in the summmer and fall seasons to pay my respects to my family that have passed on and to keep my spirit alive with my culture, as a First Nation.

Fort Chipewyan leaders and residents have been very concerned about the impacts of the heavy oilsands development upstream from our communities for some time. Our concern is now compounded by a study released in November 2007 confirming that industrial activity may be linked to rare cancers, health issues, and poor water quality in our communities.

Support the initiative that safe clean drinking water is a basic human right.

- Chief Roland Willson

My concern is as follows: We never get any information or consultations by the Alberta or Federal governments on down stream effects. The Athabasca River flows into the Slave River which is right by my community, which is right by the NWT/Alberta border. [The] Alberta government seems to think that once the water leaves their jurisdiction, that they don't have any responsibilities. Dead wrong. We did not create the problem. One rich province can not destroy the environment for everyone else in Canada. They must change their thinking on this matter. 

I have always felt a deep connection to water. Whether for physical, spiritual, or unexplained reasons, the parallel between the veins in my body and the rivers on this planet has resonated with me since I can remember. 

I am concerned about the accumulative draw on the river by all industry and municipalities. It is frightening to think that an industry will be able to take water out of the river to be prepared for times of "low flow", putting people and ecology at risk. I am also distressed about health issues downstream and in the Peace-Athabasca delta. We desperately need epidemiological studies and baseline health studies. 

- Cecile Fausak

I am concerned with the legal, environmental, health studies (data collection) has been lost or ignored or discounted by the political processes. Department of Fisheries and Oceans and environmental departments need to find alternative processes.

The interconnection of all life (environment) has to be a major factor for economic development. Money does not create life, but it can provide life for those who will monitor, observe and reflect back to what is actually happening.

- Bruce Jackson, Athabasca Peace Initiative

I'm concerned about the existing and soon to be constructed second oil pipeline that is pumping Fort McMurray oil upstream along the Athabasca River and down to Vancouver/Seattle for US consumption. All this destruction is to ensure reliable energy supplies for the US. Future pipelines are planned across the Willmore Wilderness Park to Prince Rupert for sale of oil to China. This is unacceptable. 

- Greg Slater, Jasper, Alberta

Is there sustainability in what is happening with the development of the tar sands? Is what is happening with the development of the tar sands worth the effect it is having on the people of the province? Experts are stating the environmental effects that the tar sands are causing - why are they not being listened to?

- Sheila Conture, Jasper, Alberta

All water bodies should be maintained in a pristine state. The oil sands industry should not be allowed to draw so much water from the Athabasca.

- Fiona Gregory, Athabasca, Alberta