2. The Chipewyan aboriginals have declared war on the oilsands for poisoning their water and destroying valuable land. They announced they would go to the extents of bringing their case to court. There has been a sudden increase of cancer patients in Fort Chipewyan and they are looking towards the industrial activity that’s taking place by Lake Athabasca which is up river from the Fort. Chipewyan Aboriginals Because the lakes pollution the aboriginals are not free to just jump in the lake, to go fishing or any other leisurely activities. In all they are scared and are not able to use the lake to the extent they used to. The oilsands have also affected the hunting making it more difficult for the Chipewyan's way of survival. The Athabasca River has shrunken since the oilsands have been established making the hunted animals such as moose, geese, beavers and ducks migrate to a safer location.
3. Throughout his resistance he remained vigilant and always had faith for his Cree brothers. However, he could not defeat the oppression from the Canadian Government. He knew what was right for his people, and he believed that in order for his people to live free he would have to lead the aboriginals to serenity. Mistahimaskwa Big Bear Cree Indian Chief Big Bear, a chieftain of the Prairie River people, had strong influence to the 520 aboriginals that considered him their leader. In the 1880s, the Canadian Government was attempting to force the Aboriginals to sign treaties so that they could deal with them migrating over their territory. He held strong resistance to the treaties until he was forced to surrender his opposition, because his people were starving and severe cold caused by the government not allowing them to leave their reserves to hunt or fish. Big Bear was sentenced for three years to the Stony Mountain Penitentiary. After his release he settled onto the Proudmaker Reserve where he died in January 17, 1888.
