Mining Companies Keep Drawing Water from Athabasca River as It Runs Dry

"Tar sands mining companies have continued to withdraw water from the Athabasca River in northeastern Alberta despite low flows that have made navigation difficult for river users downstream and left Fort Chipewyan's harbor dry.

Boats docked on Lake Athabasca in Fort Chipewyan have been sitting on sand for the last month as water levels have dropped lower than many residents can remember, thanks to a series of droughts felt over the last few years.

According to the Keepers of the Athabasca, an alliance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents working to protect the watershed, low water has meant the fall moose hunt for First Nations has taken a blow this year."

Meagan Wohlberg reports for Vice October 26, 2015.