Environmental Justice Camp

ctvcalgary.ca, January 31, 2009 -- They've boosted the economy, created thousands of jobs and, until now, helped keep Alberta in the black, but the oil sands aren't without controversy.

Many say their exploration is harming the environment, chasing away wildlife and poisoning the water.

On Saturday, environmental activists gathered in Calgary to talk about ways to slow oil exploration down. The Environmental Justice Camp is being put on by several groups including Greenpeace and the Council of Canadians.

Denise Ogonoski, with the Council of Canadians, says the event encourages environmental activism in oil rich Alberta.

"This is where all the money is, this is where all the oil companies have their head offices, and so people here can see it right away when they walk down the street."

Environmental groups have butted heads with Alberta's oil industry several times in recent years and public protests are becoming more common.

Some people living near the tar sands, like Fort Chipewyan resident Mike Mercridi, say wildlife and human health are being sacrificed at the expense of oil exploration.

"The majority of people don't think there is anything going on, don't think there is a problem, and there is and when you're faced with a problem like that you do whatever you can to survive and tell everybody else."

The lessons at the camp include how to get a message of environmental awareness out and how to lobby community members and politicians to stay green.

The environmental justice camp wraps up Sunday.

Similar camps are being held across the prairies.