Posted: January 12, 2024
Inadequate Consultations with Anishinābeg Algonquin Communities in the Near Surface Disposal Facility Decision
The Ottawa River watershed is predominantly the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinābeg Algonquin people. Ottawa Riverkeeper supports the Anishinābeg Algonquin communities who assert they were not adequately consulted as part of the NSDF licensing process.
On January 8th, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), the government regulator on radioactive waste, announced that construction would proceed on the hotly-debated Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF). There remain procedural and technical issues with the proposal, and the decision to proceed at this time is disappointing given the vocal demands of many Anishinābeg Algonquin communities for better consultation.
Of the procedural issues with the proposal, the most concerning is the lack of timely and comprehensive consultations with Indigenous communities. Ten of the eleven Anishinābeg Algonquin communities within the watershed have said that the level of consultation on the project has been inadequate and came too late in the process for meaningful discussions about the plan. Ottawa Riverkeeper stands by these communities, on whose unceded and unsurrendered territory this project will be constructed.
This was a chance to do better. The initial construction of facilities at Chalk River in the 1940s was done without permission or consultation with Anishinābeg Algonquin communities. CNSC needs to find ways to engage in reparation to ensure that further storage of radioactive waste on this site, as well as other sites in the future, and involve the traditional and ongoing stewards of these lands and waters. This failing is especially glaring given that Canada has agreed to abide by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which emphasizes the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous communities on whose traditional territories Government projects are being considered.
As a policy writer, I am outraged by the lack of planning accommodation, accountability & restructure required to do the right thing and involve communities in the decision making, environmental mitigation strategies & risk evaluation prior to the approval of this project. This is illegal under UNDRIP Act 2021 & breaking FPIC is illegal. Take this to Canada’s highest courts! P.S. When undergoing consultation, engage early, engage often and go back and engage again till partnerships are made with indigenous communities.
Fisrt Nations people have a tradition of not altering the land BEFORE considering the possible impact it could have seven generations later.
We have so much to learn from these wise people.
It is time for white people to stop deciding what should happen on this unceded land without consulting and deferring to indigenous communities!
How ridiculous storing nuclear waste near a river supplying drinking water for millions of people along its shore.
jo saunders
ottawa
Perhaps the Auditor General of Canada should be requested to investigate the conditions of the environmental review and decision of the CNSC.
In particular, there is the disclosure that the CNL may have acted in an apparent conflict of interest in that only the property owned by AECL (heritage land), was considered for this momentous project. This is what I gleaned from the Record of Decision on the NSDF.
This decision to dump nuclear waste in our main fresh water tributary.
Is preposterous. Dangerous and life threatening.
our main fresh water tributary.
retired Registered nurse, Friend of the Rideau river. river keeper, I Harvest and store water precious life staining sources
permaculturist, naturalist, certified scuba. instructor, past wreck ,fresh water preservation ,Bruce trail member ,soil builder , riparian designer.
care for people , member of council of Canadians, Ottawa horticultural member,
Algonquins are keepers of the land .
listen and hear their words wisely.
NB :the earnest of stopping this action.
our drinking water we all live down stream.
we need lawyers advice from the river keepers board of directors.
Governor General needs to act as Kings advisor immediate attention needed.
sincerely Wendolyn Nicholds
I support the Anishinābeg Algonquin in there fight against this nuclear set up next to the Ottawa River.