ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, KEEPERS OF THE WATER
Treaty 6 Territory | Edmonton – Thursday, May 16, is the official launch of The True Cost Of Oil exhibit by editorial and fine art photographer Garth Lenz at the FAB Gallery, University of Alberta. This art exhibit is being presented in partnership by Environmental Defence and Keepers Of The Water.
This exhibit contrasts Alberta’s oil sands, one of the largest and most destructive industrial projects on the planet, and the surrounding Boreal Forest, an essential carbon storehouse and home to countless, unique species. The True Cost Of Oil invites viewers to consider the cost of the dependence on fossil fuels and the damage already done – the scarred land, the boreal forest and peatlands ripped up, the compromised waterways – as well as the value and importance of honouring the treaties, the close relationship to the land and stewardship of Indigenous Nations and what’s left that they are trying to safeguard.
The launch event will feature photographer Garth Lenz as he shares his airborne experience, capturing images of the oil sands and the forest ecosystem from above the treeline. He will be joined by Cleo Reece, Keeper of the Water Elders Wisdom Council, Fort McMurray First Nation, Treaty 8 and Jean L’Hommecourt, Keepers of the Water co-chair, traditional land user, and a member of Fort McKay First Nation in Treaty 8 territory, who will provide firsthand accounts of what it’s like to live downstream of the oil industry and its damaging impacts. There will also be a projection of community photos by Tori Cress, G’Chiminssing, Williams Treaty Territory. The event will be moderated by Alienor Rougeot, Climate and Energy Program Manager, Environmental Defence.
WHAT: The True Cost Of Oil photography exhibit and launch event
WHERE: Launch Event: Fine Arts Building, University of Alberta, room 2-20. Exhibition: FAB Gallery, 1-1 Fine Arts Building, University of Alberta
WHEN: Launch Event, Thursday, May 16, 2024, Doors open 6:00 MT, panel 6:15, reception 7:15-9:00. Exhibition: May 15-June 1st, Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 12-3
WHO: Garth Lenz, editorial and fine art photographer
Jean L’Hommecourt, Keepers of the Water co-chair, traditional land user, and a member of Fort McKay First Nation in Treaty 8 territory
Cleo Reece, Keeper of the Water Elders Wisdom Council, Fort McMurray First Nation, Treaty 8
Tori Cress, G’Chiminssing, Williams Treaty Territory
Alienor Rougeot, Climate and Energy Program Manager, Environmental Defence
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
ABOUT KEEPERS OF THE WATER (keepersofthewater.ca) Keepers of the Water are First Nations, Métis, Inuit, environmental groups, concerned citizens, and communities working together for the protection of water, air, land, and all living things within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Allen Braude, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
Tori Cress, Keepers of the Water, communications@keepersofthewater.ca
