First Nations Chief threatens legal action against province if tailings water is released

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeEnergyHealthNewsLocal News First Nations Chief threatens legal action against province if tailings water is released The Chief said the community is already suffering several cancer cases: "a new one every week," and that the last thing he would want for his community is to have their water that is used to cook, shower, and even make coffee contaminated Author of the article: By Itoro Umanah Published Sep 21, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN)'s Chief Allan Adam and Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith. PHOTO BY FILE PHOTO /Postmedia Network Article content The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN)’s Chief, Allan Adam, says he is ready to enter a 20-year legal battle with the Alberta government if it means mining wastewater from the oilsands is not released into the Athabasca watershed. Article content The promise comes shortly after what was supposed to be a two-day engagement session led by Suncor’s representatives quickly became a rallying ground for collective frustration from the Athabasca First Nation’s communities. Article content Article content Article content Community members and residents of Fort Chipewyan – some with placards – staged a protest at a mobile information display that Suncor Energy set up at the Mamawi community hall. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content The trailer, packed with simulators and material for residents to engage with, was stationed in the hopes of sharing details about the company’s proposed treat and release plans for the next four years. Article content A video posted online showed one resident chanting “no to toxic tailings” while others lined placards that read “Fort Chip is not a sacrifice zone.” Article content In an interview with Postmedia last week, Chief Adam stated explicitly that downstream First Nations communities, who he said will be the first ones to experience any adverse effects, are completely opposed to oilsands companies treating and releasing mine water back into the river. Article content Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) speaks to media from Acden’s main office in…