Two Canadian Aboriginal leaders have taken their concerns about the province's oilsands to decision makers in Washington, D.C.
Francois Paulette from the Northwest Territories and Albertan George Poitras met with White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Department of the Interior. The leaders say the Washington officials were unaware about the environmental impact of the oilsands.
They say they expressed their concerns that oilsands production contributes to climate change, pollution, and it may be hurting humans, animals and fish.
"I just ask the American people to rethink your plan, to rethink what you are doing and what you are about to do -- you're going to enable the destruction of the environment and it's people," said Paulette.
Last week, three influential U.S. senators wrapped up a tour of Alberta's oilsands. The premier flew to Fort McMurray with the trio of senators who are all part of a senate committee with a stake in Alberta oil.
CTV News was the only media outlet to speak with all three senators Friday. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss and North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan participated in the event, which included visits to Syncrude's oilsands facility, and Nexen's Long Lake in situ project and upgrader.
Hollywood director James Cameron is expected to take a tour of the oilsands next week. It is expected he will take time to meet with Aboriginal leaders as well.
