Several Algonquin First Nations leaders are speaking out against plans for a proposed nuclear waste site near the Ottawa River.
This despite the fact that Algonquins of Pikwakanagan recently announced an agreement with the companies involved. It allows the First Nation to have a say in environmental matters near operations.
Other Algonquin groups oppose the “Near Surface Disposal Facility” project by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, a contracted organization that works closely with Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).
At an Ottawa press conference, Kebaowek First Nation Chief Lance Haymond said the site, on AECL-owned land near Chalk River, would be dangerous for all forms of life. He also said the Pikwakanagan agreement is at odds with the views of other Algonquin nations.
“We’re feeling hurt that (Algonquins of Pikwakanagan) would proceed to give consent, when they are but only one voice of the Algonquin nation,“ he says. “We represent the other 10 communities of our nation. We are here to unequivocally speak to the fact that we do not support and will not provide consent for this project.”
MyBarrysBayNow has reached out to Algonquins of Pikwakanagan for comment, but did not hear back by late Thursday afternoon.
In an earlier statement to announce the Pikwakanagan agreement, Chief Greg Sarazin says the deal means the First Nation now has “significant say in operations, incorporating traditional knowledge and values.”
CNL says it will continue dialogue with Algonquin groups
A Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) official says her company intends to keep reaching out to Indigenous Groups for input on a planned new waste site.
Vice-President of Waste Meggan Vickerd says CNL has had open discussions with Algonquin Groups throughout the process to launch the Near Surface Disposal Facility, dating back to 2016.
Plans for the 10,000-hectare site near Chalk River are still being reviewed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
“We’ll continue to work with any Indigenous Community or First Nation if they want to come forward to speak to CNL about, not only the Near Surface Disposal Facility, but any project that we have at our site,” she says. “We believe that engagement is continuing. It doesn’t end with a decision from the CNSC.”
Vickerd says the facility is being planned with higher environmental standards, compared to operations from generations’ past.