Desmond Tutu urges end to reliance on ‘filth’ from oilsands

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu labelled the oilsands “filth,” arguing production is motivated by “negligence and greed,” and that climate change will be the 21st century’s moral struggle.

Speaking at a conference on the oilsands and treaty issues, the hero of South Africa’s apartheid resistance has called oilsands oil “filth” that is created by ugliness and greed.

Tutu says the expansion of the industry is damaging the entire planet’s climate, stripping local aboriginal people of their rights.

At the same time, he points to the experience of his own country overcoming generations of racial intolerance as an example of how widely differing positions can be brought together through mutual good will.

Tutu’s remarks, leavened by his trademark infectious laugh, ended with the crowd on its feet while he chanted, “we are connected.”

Tutu has been brought to the oilsands capital by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and a Toronto law firm specializing in aboriginal law.

Agencies/Canadajournal