Environmental and Human Health Implications of the Athabasca Oil Sands for the Mikisew Cree First Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Northern Alberta

Members of the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) live downstream from the Athabasca Oil Sands along the Athabasca River in northern Alberta. Band members were concerned with pollution from the oil sands affecting their traditional food sources. They worried about the observed decline in their health and the higher levels of illness, including cancers, in their communities. The objectives of this project were to evaluate potential sources of contaminants, and identify possible exposures and health risks for community members. The research also aimed to develop capacity for monitoring, and to expand risk communications.

The research team interviewed community members, including Elders and harvesters, to identify changes to the health of the environment, and to document their consumption of traditional foods. The team sampled water, soils, vegetation, and culturally important wildlife for contaminants including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Community members recorded their diets. Researchers assessed human exposure to contaminants, such as heavy metals, through urine and hair sampling.

The analysis of wildlife samples showed some organs of moose, muskrat, and duck contained elevated levels of arsenic, a particular health concern for young children. Cadmium levels were also elevated in the kidney and liver of moose, beaver, and duck. Mercury levels were high in samples of duck, moose, and muskrat. These mercury levels were a health concern, especially for children and for women of childbearing age. Finally, selenium levels in the muscle, kidney, and liver of all wildlife species were of concern for adults and children. The levels of PAHs were high.

The study team concluded exposure rates to these contaminants were generally not a health concern due to the low consumption of traditional foods because of advisories and concerns with pollutants. The interviews showed community members shifting from country foods to store-bought foods mainly because of fear of pollution. The team created a feature length documentary film for community members on the impacts of the Oil Sands and other upstream development. The report included many recommendations to address these findings.