Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) members have noted ‘NO’ to a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for low-and-intermediate level nuclear waste at the Bruce nuclear site in Kincardine as proposed by Ontario Power Generation (OPG).“This vote was a historic milestone and momentous victory for our People. We worked for many years for our right to exercise jurisdiction in our Territory and the free, prior and informed consent of our People to be recognized,” said Chief Lester Anoquot of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation, “As Anishinaabe, we didn’t ask for this waste to be created and stored in our Territory, but it is here. We have a responsibility to our Mother Earth to protect both her and our Lands and Waters. Today, our People have voted against the DGR; tells us that we must work diligently to find a new solution for the waste.”
“We will continue to work with OPG and others in the nuclear industry on developing new solutions for nuclear waste in our Territory. We know that the waste currently held in above-ground storage at the Bruce site will not go away. SON is committed to developing these solutions with our Communities and ensuring Mother Earth is protected for future generations. We will continue to ensure that our People will lead these processes and decisions,” said Chief Greg Nadjiwon of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
SON will now begin working closely with OPG and others in the nuclear industry to find an acceptable solution for the waste.
This process may take many years.
