Declaration of Opposition

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

Narrows, ON – 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.

Media Contact:
Chris Skead
Chief of Wauzhusk Onigum
Phone: 807-407-1859
Email: cskead@wonation.ca