Indigenous leaders to rally in Fort McMurray against tailings release plan – play 103.7
Oct 16, 2025
FORT McMURRAY, AB — Indigenous leaders and environmental groups are planning to gather in Fort McMurray on Friday to protest Alberta’s proposal to allow treated oil sands tailings water to be released into the province’s river systems.
The rally, organized by the Mikisew Cree First Nation and supported by environmental organizations including Keepers of the Water, will take place at Kiyām Park from 1 to 4 p.m. The event aims to raise awareness and call for meaningful consultation before any regulatory changes are made.
“Treat and release is not an acceptable option, and we will not stay idle in the face of decisions that threaten our health and integrity as a people,” said Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro of the Mikisew Cree First Nation in a statement ahead of the event. “Without a human health and ecological risk assessment for tailings management options, the data is not there to show this is safe.”
