‘Tar Sands: Time Is Running Out,’ 2010. Acrylics on Canvas. 20ft X 24ft.
What is the impact of the Tar Sands?
Participants shared personal reflections on the environmental and human toll of one of the world’s most destructive industrial projects.
Sixty participants—from youth to elders—came together to explore and reflect on the impacts of the Tar Sands resource extraction project in northern Alberta. Their insights were captured in a large-scale mobile mural that documents personal and environmental perspectives. The mural was completed in one month and created in preparation for the G20 Summit in Toronto, where global leaders from 19 countries and the EU gathered.
The painting is available for educators, community organizers, activists, artists, and leaders to use at events and actions.
Social Lead Artists & Facilitators (Volunteers): Sara Kendall and Melanie Schambach
...“ocean, land, light, spirit breath, i invoke your journey to guide the awakening dream of those who would harm you. all life shall join the struggle.”
"Do You Want T Know About Canada’s Dirtiest Secret?"
...the fish swimming up stream? Communities who traditionally rely on the Athabasca and other rivers are now advised to not use the water at all. New proposals on escalating production violate the national and human rights of many indigenous nations.
...the 700 ft deep gash in the earth (hint: the trucks and barrels are set to real-life scale) The tar sands project makes 5 times more green house gases than conventional oil mining (more than what all cars in Canada produce), yet they are advertised as the new ‘green’ energy source.
...the person drinking oil Some Indigenous communities in the tar sands area still don’t have access to running water. ...the Canadian parliament The conservative government has given 100% approval rating to every company that applied to extract oil from the tar sands. The toxic tailing ponds are visible from outer space.
"The most destructive project in human history"
...how much land the tar sands span in Alberta? An area bigger than the state of Florida, the tar sand bitumen sits on 150,000 sq km.
"Time is Running Out"