First Nations Tribal Council in Ontario and Manitoba have Declared Opposition to Nuclear Dump Plans.

The Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council is a First Nations tribal council in Ontario and Manitoba. It is part of the Grand Council of Treaty 3, and includes the Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation, Big Grassy First Nation, the Anishnaabeg of Naongashiing, the Northwest Angle 33 First Nation, the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation and the Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum.

The First Nations Tribal Council in Ontario and Manitoba have declared strong opposition to Nuclear Dump Plans similar to those proposed here in Cumbria. The UK Nuclear Waste Services have promoted the small township of Ignace, population 1,202 as an example of "community engagement'. Rather like in the UK the small population of Ignace has been promised inducements and has agreed to "go along" with the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization's geological disposal plans for nuclear wastes.

"Ged McGrath, Chair of the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, said: “We were pleased to be able to speak to representatives of the Ignace Community Nuclear Liaison Committee in Canada, to understand more about their siting process, the ways in which the local community has engaged, and the benefits the process has brought and a GDF will bring to the area if it is selected.

“There is a lot that we can learn from Ignace and other communities who are considering the possibility of, or are developing a GDF, and I look forward to our Partnership continuing such conversations as we continue to engage with and understand the views of our community here in South Copeland.”

However the First Nations of the wider area of Ontario and Manitoba vehemently oppose the plans for a deep nuclear dump and have now made an official statement of opposition.

Chris Skead, Chief of Wauzhusk Onigum has said “This deep geological repository poses and unprecedented threat to the integrity, safety, and sanctity of Kabapikotawangag and its surrounding environments. It has the potential to compromise the health, welfare, and cultural heritage of our Anishinaabeg people,” Chief Skead went on to explain that “Section 29(2) of UNDRIP requires states to take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials takes place in our territory without our free, prior and informed consent. As stewards of the lands and waters in our territory, we have not provided our free, prior, and informed consent.” “As Treaty 3 rights-holders, we have a duty to protect and safeguard Kabapikotawangag (also known as Lake of the Woods). We cannot let this type of project move forward,” Chief Skead continued.

"July 15, 2024 Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council Publishes Declaration of Opposition to NWMO Nuclear Waste Site..

The Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council (the “AKRC”), an umbrella organization representing Wauzhusk Onigum, Ojibways of Onigaming, Northwest Angle #33, Big Grassy River, and Animakee Wa Zhing 37, have publicly voiced their opposition to the development of an underground nuclear waste storage site at Ignace, Ontario. This public declaration of opposition comes in th Sioux e wake of the Town of Ignace officially signalling its willingness to host the underground nuclear waste storage site.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (the “NWMO”), is seeking to develop a deep geological repository for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel. It is currently trying to determine a location for the repository and has narrowed it down to two locations: one on the Southern Bruce Peninsula, and one at Ignace. The NWMO has stated that the host community must be informed and willing to accept the project, and on July 10, 2024, the Town of Ignace officially agreed that it would be willing to host the project.But the AKRC disagrees.

The AKRC says that locating this nuclear storage site at Ignace poses an unacceptable level of risk to their communities: “This deep geological repository poses and unprecedented threat to the integrity, safety, and sanctity of Kabapikotawangag and its surrounding environments. It has the potential to compromise the health, welfare, and cultural heritage of our Anishinaabeg people,” said Chris Skead, Chief of Wauzhusk Onigum.Chief Skead went on to explain that “Section 29(2) of UNDRIP requires states to take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials takes place in our territory without our free, prior and informed consent. As stewards of the lands and waters in our territory, we have not provided our free, prior, and informed consent.”“As Treaty 3 rights-holders, we have a duty to protect and safeguard Kabapikotawangag (also known as Lake of the Woods).

We cannot let this type of project move forward,” Chief Skead continued.“What is really concerning is that they are going to be transporting used nuclear fuel, on two lane, backroad highways, throughout our territory. Those roads are treacherous, and we regularly witness accidents – what happens if one of those accidents involves a truck transporting used nuclear fuel?” said Chief Skead.The AKRC wants to see alternative solutions considered.: “we want to see solutions that align with our principles of environmental stewardship, respect for the land, and the well-being of future generations. And we are more than willing to work with the NWMO on what those solutions might be” explained Chief Skead.

The AKRC declaration comes in the wake of the Assembly of First Nations passing resolution #68-2024, which calls on all First Nations to fully consider the environmental and health impacts of economic development, including in the transportation and disposal of nuclear waste, on other First Nations in their decision-making processes and to engage with these impacted First Nations."

Lakes Against Nuclear Dump have sent a message of solidarity and thanks to the Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council,  Tribal Council in Ontario and Manitoba for their inspirational stand in opposing Canada's geological dumping of nuclear waste plans.