Leonardo DiCaprio took some time out from learning about the Canadian tar sands to take the Ice Bucket Challenge.

He was nominated by football star David Beckham but instead of taking the usual 'bucket over the head in your back garden' approach he did something a little bit different.

He decided to focus the attention on environmental issues and some large multi-billion dollar petroleum producing corporations in Canada.

Mr DiCaprio's three friends all nominated petrol company Presidents or CEOs while he himself nominated the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

According to some news reports, Mr DiCaprio has also agreed to donate $100,000 to the ALS Association.

In his video YouTube description, Mr DiCaprio states: "Hello from Lake Athabasca, we're here learning about the Canadian tar sands. We took a moment to join the #IceBucketChallenge movement in support of the ALS Association.

My friends Chief Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation challenges Dave Collyer president of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Chief Courtoreille of the Mikisew Cree First Nation challenges Mark Little of Suncor Canada and The Sierra Club President Michael Brune challenges Shell CEO Ben van Beurden.

And me? In addition to a donation from my foundation, I challenge Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper."