A rocker who compared Fort McMurray to Hiroshima is once again helping support the fight against oilsands expansion. Neil Young is playing a benefit concert in Edmonton for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s legal fund.
“The ACFN are continuing our legal challenges to stop out of control Tar Sands development from destroying our traditional territory and rights as Indigenous peoples,” says Chief Allan Adam in a news release. “With the support of Neil Young and fans we are creating more accountability from our governments for the safe guarding of our lands, rights and future generations in Alberta, Canada and beyond.”
In late 2013, Young visited the region and later called it a wasteland that “looks like Hiroshima.” The comments didn’t sit well with Mayor Melissa Blake who said his words were extreme. Other government officials, such as former Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, responded to the comments as well.
Young played four shows across Canada in January 2014 for the Honour the Treaties tour. This show features Blue Rodeo on July 3 at Rexall Place.
