As written in The Conversation by John Sinclair, Professor and Director Natural Resources Institute and Warren Bernauer Assistant Professor, Department of Environment & Geography.
In January, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) initiated an assessment of a proposed nuclear waste repository in northwestern Ontario. The repository is being advanced by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), which is charged with finding a long-term solution to Canada’s mounting nuclear fuel waste.
The NWMO has proposed building an underground repository at a site near the Township of Ignace and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. The proposal has received support from the township and First Nation, but it remains deeply contentious with other First Nations.
The impact assessment process recently began with the NWMO filing an initial project description, followed by a public commenting period. Nearly 900 comments were received, including written submissions from 22 First Nations, five regional and treaty organizations, and the Assembly of First Nations.
Many of the responses from First Nations hinge on differing interpretations of free, prior and informed consent. The NWMO sought the consent of one First Nation near the proposed repository site. However, Indigenous submissions argue that NWMO should also seek consent from all First Nations whose rights, interests, territories and watersheds could be affected by a repository.
Our research includes a focus on the administrative, regulatory and legal processes being used to make decisions about nuclear waste disposal. We’re especially concerned that Indigenous consent is being framed in a way that excludes many First Nations whose members and territories could be affected by the proposed repository.
Read the full story at The Conversation.
