Alberta Tar Sands Have Irreversible Impact on Indigenous Culture

Brendan DeMelle DeSmog
onNov 24, 2010 @ 17:04 PST

The Alberta tar sands are increasingly recognized as a major threat, not only moving us in the opposite direction from where we need to go to solve the climate crisis, but also with the enormous environmental and public health risks that tar sands development entails. ย However, another major negativeย and irreversibleย consequenceย of the tar sandsโ€™ gold rush is often overlooked – the tremendous impact on the culture and legacy of northern Albertaโ€™s indigenous peoples.

As this amazing multimedia presentation by acclaimed climate change photographer Robert van Waarden demonstrates vividly, the tar sands are leaving an indelible mark on First Nationsโ€™ communities, whose livelihoods and culture are threatened by the tar sands. ย Watch this, then please share it with your family and learn more about the tar sands. ย This destruction can be stopped, but not without major publicย pressure.

Brendan DeMelle DeSmog
Brendan is Executive Director of DeSmog. He is also a freelance writer and researcher specializing in media, politics, climate change and energy. His work has appeared in Vanity Fair, The Huffington Post, Grist, The Washington Times and other outlets.

Related Posts

onDec 18, 2025 @ 12:45 PST

Speakers at the event previously said "there is no climate crisis" and there is "lively debate" on climate science.

Speakers at the event previously said "there is no climate crisis" and there is "lively debate" on climate science.
onDec 18, 2025 @ 11:55 PST

Far-right politicians from France, Germany, and other European nations and their U.S. allies celebrated their growing bonds and shared goals at a lavish party in New York City.

Far-right politicians from France, Germany, and other European nations and their U.S. allies celebrated their growing bonds and shared goals at a lavish party in New York City.
Series: MAGA
onDec 18, 2025 @ 10:44 PST

Emboldened by Trumpโ€™s LNG deregulation, industry CEOs brush off climate concerns as Gulf Coast residents warn new gas projects will further strain an already environmentally stressed region.

Emboldened by Trumpโ€™s LNG deregulation, industry CEOs brush off climate concerns as Gulf Coast residents warn new gas projects will further strain an already environmentally stressed region.
onDec 18, 2025 @ 09:49 PST

Report author Mark Cameron is at Bluesky Strategy Group, which boasts to clients โ€œour team has the reach to get your story toldโ€ in Canadian media.

Report author Mark Cameron is at Bluesky Strategy Group, which boasts to clients โ€œour team has the reach to get your story toldโ€ in Canadian media.