Episode 2: The North

The North seems pristine, but the cold northern climate acts as a repository for many contaminants that originate in the south. This affects the health of species at the top of the food chain - seals, whales, polar bears and humans - and the contaminants are passed to the young through breast milk. Water Under Fire explores the roots of the mighty McKenzie River, exposing the gritty reality. The Peace Athabasca River system has suffered the impacts of hydroelectric dams, pulp and paper mills, and the oil sands developments. The great Peace Athabasca Delta is in terrible decline, and along with its commercial fisheries, the Mikisew Cree way of life is also disappearing, perhaps forever.