Downstream, the short Academy Award-nominated documentary about the Alberta Oil Sands, is now available to watch online at BabelGum Films. The Oil Sands, the second largest deposit of oil on earth is often referred to as the Saudi Arabia of Canada.
Downstream, by Leslie Iwerks, explores the environmental consequences of the Oil Sands, including how the lives of, and health of, aboriginal people are being severely affected by the Oil Sands’ pollution.
The aboriginal people in the area have witnessed first hand the decline in the fish and game populations, the change in the water quality, the increase in pollution and the changes in their food supplies, including deformities in fish due to the Oil Sands.
“There is something in this water that is destroying our fish,” explains one Elder.
Downstream highlights the efforts of Dr. Connor, a medical doctor that came to the Fort Chipewyan area in 2001 and during that time worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the people living and dying of rare cancers downstream from one of the most polluting oil operations in the world.
After witnessing the increase in cancer of the aboriginal people in Fort Chipewyan, the community physician tried to raise awareness about the links between possible environmental containments in the river and wildlife; and the inexplicable incidence rates of cancers in the community. As a result of his inquires, he encountered a Canada-wide backlash where his professional integrity was questioned and threatened. He eventually left the area because of the pressure.
To date, nothing has been done to address the severe health ramifications of the Oil Sands on the aboriginal people living in the area.
This much praised and heartbreaking documentary will help people understand the connections between their insatiable desire for oil and the health ramifications for the land and people that live near the Alberta Oil Sands. A must see film.
Running Time: 33 minutes
Visit: http://www.downstreamdoc.com
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