Canadian aboriginal leaders say decision-makers in Washington, D.C., are considering an invitation to visit communities near the oilsands. (CBC)

A pair of aboriginal leaders say decision-makers in Washington, D.C., are unaware but receptive to arguments about the environmental impact of oilsands development.

Francois Paulette and George Poitras have been meeting with officials from the U.S. State Department, the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Department of the Interior.

They delivered the message that fuel made from Alberta's oilsands is "dirty" and contributing to climate change and pollution that is hurting people, animals, birds and fish.

The two men called on the Americans not to approve the proposed TransCanada Corp. Keystone XL pipeline that would ship oil from the oilsands into the U.S.

They say the U.S. officials made no commitments but are considering an invitation to visit aboriginal communities near the oilsands.

Paulette is with the Smith's Landing Treaty 8 First Nation in the Northwest Territories and Poitras is the former chief of the Mikisew Cree in Alberta.