Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation says yes to next phase of repository process

Friday, 22 November 2024

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) is the second of the two communities in Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) site selection process to indicate a willingness to move forward: the Township of Ignace confirmed its willingness in June.

It said it had been involved for more than a decade in discussions and information-sharing through a Learn More Agreement with the NWMO, which has enabled the community's members and leadership to thoroughly examine what potentially hosting a repository could mean to the community.

"Our Nation has spoken and the outcome was YES," Chief Clayton Wetelainen said. "We have been involved in this process for over 12 years and our members have decided to continue on this path. As Anishinaabe we have a sacred relationship with the land. We belong to the land, and we have a sacred duty to protect the land for all our relations and for generations yet to come."

The community's decision reflects the Nation’s commitment to "thoroughly explore the project’s feasibility through a rigorous regulatory process that upholds WLON’s Anishinaabe laws and values." The vote does not signify approval of the project, but demonstrates the Nation’s willingness to enter the next phase of in-depth environmental and technical assessments, to determine safety and site suitability.

"It may take a decade for NWMO to finalise their plan, complete the necessary studies and assessments, and obtain permits. This is just the beginning of a long process, and our Nation will be leading every step of the way. WLON is committed to prioritising safety and environmental protection throughout this process," WLON’s Chief and Council  said.

“We sincerely thank the members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Chief Wetelainen and Council for their thoughtful approach and commitment to learning and engagement over the past 12 years,” said NWMO Vice President of Site Selection Lise Morton.

The Mayor and Council of the Township of Ignace, which declared its willingness to host the repository earlier this year, expressed their "respect and appreciation" for WLON's decision, saying: "The proposed DGR (deep geological repository), designed to safely store Canada’s used nuclear fuel, presents a unique opportunity for both the Township of Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation to exercise self-determination while addressing the pressing environmental stewardship and economic challenges of today for both our community and the land we all live on."

The NWMO launched the process to select a suitable site with informed and willing host communities for the deep geological repository in 2010. The list of 22 communities that proactively expressed interest has been gradually narrowed down through social engagement and technical site evaluations and now two areas - both in Ontario - remain as potential hosts: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area.

The Municipality of South Bruce recently confirmed its willingness to move forward to the next phase of the site selection process following a referendum held in October.