Health study begins examining potential oilsands impacts on Fort Chipewyan

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-10 12:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Indigenous, Healthcare, Environment, Energy]

A 10-year, $12-million federally funded health study named Project Monument Hill has officially begun to examine potential links between oilsands developments and cancer rates among residents in the northern Alberta Indigenous community of Fort Chipewyan. Overseen by the Métis Nation, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and the Mikisew Cree First Nation—with the federal government playing an observer role—third-party researchers will analyze current and historical health data, monitor environmental conditions, and evaluate traditional land use. The study follows decades of community concern regarding industrial projects upstream along the Athabasca River, such as Imperial Oil’s Kearl mine and Suncor Energy’s Fort Hills mine.