Fort Chipewyan, AB, November 10, 2008 — The Fort Chipewyan leadership of the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations and the Metis Local Association have categorically rejected a soon-to-be released report from the Alberta Cancer Board. This report is the second study done by the Alberta Cancer Board in the community of Fort Chipewyan. It was meant to provide a more thorough analysis of cancer rates in the community. The study was seen as problematic in that it did not include engagement with the local community’s health board or health professionals. The community did not feel that the study was done in a transparent way, according to the leaders.

President Fred Fraser of the Metis Local Association said, “We said from the start with the original study two years ago that not only did the community need to be engaged throughout but that the methodology originally employed needed to change.” He further added, “There was no consideration to look at methods that would be consistent with the health board’s wishes.”

Chief Roxanne Marcel said, “We are extremely disappointed with the Cancer Board. It’s our opinion that the current draft study is an identical product of the original one, which we also rejected for a number of reasons, including the fact that it was incomplete.” She added, “This is further commentary that Fort Chipewyan shouldn’t trust government on providing accurate information on anything related to tar sands development and its impacts downstream.”

“This is not the first time that the community has rejected studies initiated by the Government of Alberta,” said Steve Courtoreille, the Chairperson for the Nunee Health Board Society. He added, “The lack of transparency and community involvement are the exact reasons the community no longer trusts the Alberta government and its agencies to deliver accurate and responsible information to our community.”

Fort Chipewyan is situated downstream from tar sands development, and it has repeatedly expressed to governments the growing number of issues and concerns related to this large scale development. The most troubling concern among community members is the rising number of rare cancers being observed in the community of 1,200 people. The Nunee Health Board Society is a partnership between the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations and the Metis Local Association and speaks on behalf of the community of Fort Chipewyan.

For more information contact:

MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION
Chief Roxanne Marcel
Telephone: 780-697-3740

NUNEE HEALTH BOARD SOCIETY
Steve Courtoreille, Chairperson
Telephone: 780-697-3740