Both Niobe and David were in attendance at the screening and answered some questions at the end of the documentary. The question period offered some insights into the motivation for making the documentary and provided the audience with some inspiring words about our energy alternatives.
The documentary takes an in-depth look at the environmental and human impact of the oil sands in Alberta’s northern territory. It tells the story of the remote community of Fort Chipewyan, down the Athabasca River from the oil sands, and the serious health risks that are plaguing the residents. For years, the residents have been dying from rare forms of cancer. After many independent researches and studies, including research by the famedĀ Dr. David Schindler, toxin levels were found to be much higher than expected, including high levels of arsenic, lead and mercury.
The documentary captures a very wide spectrum of opinions from politicians to scientists to aboriginal leaders, even including the director James Cameron, who takes up the cause. Coincidently, the situation mirrors his recent film, Avator, in which an aboriginal culture is being threatened by a large corporation that is only interested in profits.