The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a resolution passed by the United Nations in 2007. In Canada, on June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent and came into force. The Act affirms the United Nations Declaration and requires the Government of Canada to work towards its implementation.

A CNSC decision to license the giant Chalk River Radioactive Waste Mound also known as the NSDF, this contradicts the following four UNDRIP articles:

Article 25: “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive, spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned and otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, water and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations in this regard.”

Article 29 (2): 2. “States shall take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials shall take place in the lands or territories of indigenous peoples without their free, prior and informed consent.”

Article 32 (1): “Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources.”

Article 32 (2): “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources.” 

National Observer article by Matteo Cimellaro here

At its annual meeting in Halifax, the AFN passed a resolution introduced by Kebaowek First Nation Chief, Lance Haymond. Here is an excerpt from the press release that is posted on Kebaowek FN website:

NUCLEAR DISPOSAL ON THE CHALK RIVER LABORATORIES SITE: THE ASSEMBLY
OF FIRST NATIONS CALLS FOR URGENT MEETING WITH THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
KEBAOWEK, July 20, 2023 — Last week, at the General Assembly of the Assembly of First
Nations (AFN), a resolution was adopted regarding the proposed project of a Near Surface
Disposal Facility (NSDF) on the Chalk River Laboratories site, calling for “an urgent meeting
between the AFN and the Government of Canada regarding the consultation policy of the
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) as it relates to nuclear waste transport and
disposal decision”.

The full press release is here: http://documents.kebaowek.ca/PressReleaseAFNsupportsoppositionofNSDF.pdf

And here is the resolution:

July 2023

Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area has actively participated in the Environmental Assessment of the proposed radioactive waste dump at Chalk River Laboratories since the EA began in 2016.

Our group has made the following submissions:

Comments on the project description for the NSDF, June 24, 2016

Comments on the revised project description for the NSDF, November 18, 2016

Comments on the revised project description for the NSDF, November 21, 2016

Comments on the Environmental Impact Statement for the NSDF, May 26, 2017

Comments on the Environmental Impact Statement for the NSDF, August 3, 2017

CMD 22-H7.74 – Submission from CCRCA, published April 19, 2022 

CMD 22-H7.74A – Presentation from CCRCA, published May 18, 2022 

CMD 22-H7.74B – Final submission from the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area June 15, 2023

Our final submission covers the following topics:

1. Has the CNSC dealt appropriately with Algonquin Anishinaabe First Nations on whose unceded, unsurrendered traditional territory the NSDF would be constructed?

2. Would the NSDF result in significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated?

3. Is a license amendment needed for the NSDF and if so, can the Commission conclude with confidence that the risks that would be created by the facility are justified?

4. Deficiencies in the Environmental Assessment process (detailed post on this here)

~~~~~~

The section below is an excerpt that supports our position that the NSDF is highly likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated include:

• Emissions of greenhouse gases from forest clearing at the NSDF site; 
• Loss of the carbon sink potential of the NSDF footprint;
• Loss of significant habitat for wildlife, including for many species at risk; 
• Deposit of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish;
• Spread of contaminated materials beyond the Local Study Area owing to a tornado or microburst during waste emplacement
• Human intrusion for recovery of radioactive scrap metal from the mound;
• Contamination of the Perch Creek Basin and the Ottawa River with radioactive and hazardous substances

Proposed mitigation measures – the “Consolidated Commitment Lists”

According to CNSC staff, mitigation measures proposed by CNL in its “Consolidated Commitments Report”  will successfully mitigate all of the significant adverse environmental effects that would be created by the NSDF. We find this conclusion by CNSC staff to be irresponsible and not based on evidence. 

CNL’s “Consolidated Commitments Report” received essentially no attention during the May-June 2022 hearing on the NSDF.  In our view, the commitments in it would do little, if anything, to mitigate the NSDF’s adverse effects.  Some could worsen them.  

As explained in our CMD 22-H7.74:

• Most of the 856 “commitments” merely repeat statements found in CNL’s 1661-page EIS. Some are new, such as the provision that radioactive waste remaining in the Port Hope area after the closure of the two mounds there would be sent to Chalk River for disposal.  Shipping additional Port Hope waste to CRL would worsen, not mitigate, the environmental impacts of the NSDF. 
• The Consolidated Commitments Lists says that weather cover structure “designs are being evaluated for compatibility with the NSDF Project configuration and if feasible, could be implemented as a mitigation measure…” An evaluation of the feasibility of a mitigation measure is not a real mitigation measure.
• The Consolidated Commitment Lists – the supposed mitigation measures if the NSDF is approved – would even allow vegetation clearing activities during the migratory bird nesting period (or bat maternity roosting period) if nest searches are conducted.
• No effective means of mitigating these significant adverse environmental impacts on species at risk is foreseen, or likely even possible. For example, the promise to temporarily suspend blasting activities “if wildlife are [sic] observed in the blasting area” is pathetically weak. 
• CMD 22-H7 (p. 290 of 590) says “CNSC staff have found that the NSDF Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the species at risk.” This assertion is not supported by evidence. Habitat loss would be long-term and irreversible. Impacts will inevitably be felt well beyond the local study area.

CMD 22-H7.111C, the supplementary written submission from the Kebaowek First Nation (KFN), describes the seeming indifference of CNSC staff to CNL’s proposed “sustainable forest management plan” — supposedly the key measure to mitigate the adverse impacts of the NSDF Project on wildlife and species at risk:

Staff have relied too heavily on CNL’s promise to implement a sustainable forest management plan (“SFMP”) to mitigate the deforestation. Staff have not received baseline information on animal populations for the NSDF necessary to determine whether a SFMP would actually address the impacts of deforestation or not. KFN does not understand how Staff can determine the proposed deforestation as minimal or justifiable, when they have not actually assessed the proposed measures to mitigate the impact.

Judging by information in the Consolidated Commitments Report, CNL’s promised sustainable forest management plan – yet to be released – would clear more forest areas in other parts of the CRL site.  The notion is that this would allow Large-Toothed Aspen to regenerate in those areas, providing (after several decades) a possible replacement for the bat maternity trees that would be destroyed by deforestation of the NSDF site.  

This would have uncertain future benefits for endangered bat species.  However, they would suffer immediate losses from removal of their existing habitat.  Their current habitat is likely to be of particular importance because of its proximity to Perch Lake and the Ottawa River.   Additional removal of mature forests would result in adverse effects on other species, adding to the impacts created by the NSDF itself.

Following the May/June 2022 hearing, KFN conducted on-site field research in the NSDF “footprint”.  This research, described in CMD 22-H7.111C, documents the extensive use of the area by wildlife species that have cultural, spiritual, and economic importance to Algonquin peoples, including three active bear dens, winter moose and deer habitat, and eastern wolves:

After starting fieldwork, it quickly became evident to KFN technical staff that there were significant gaps in the baseline environmental work done for the NSDF. Specifically… CNL had not conducted animal population counts in the NSDF for moose, deer, or bear, nor studied prey-predator relations; in particular, there was a lack of documentation of eastern wolf presence, population, and prey-predator relations since the beginning of the NSDF EIS process in 2016.

Has the Commission adequately studied the proposed mitigation measures? 

In June 2022 our group submitted the following question to the CNSC registrar: 

“Will Commissioners discuss and review the 856 mitigation measures in the 105-page Consolidated Commitment Lists under Licence Condition G.8 prior to prescribing them?” 

The CNSC has not responded.  There is no indication that the Commission has reviewed these measures. There was virtually no review or discussion of the Consolidated Commitment Report in the five days of public hearings in May/June 2022.  

In our view, it is not possible for the Commission to render a decision about the appropriateness and adequacy of proposed mitigation measures. The fact that 856 mitigation measures are proposed by the proponent suggests there are indeed significant adverse environmental effects.  A cursory review reveals that many of the mitigation measures will do nothing, and some might make matters worse.  A prudent approach would be for the Commission to conclude that the project will cause significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated.

Scope, application and verification of the proposed mitigation measures

Buried in proposed Revision 3 of the License Conditions Handbook for the CRL site (NRTEOL-LCH-01.00/2028), under the new licence condition G.8, is a statement that CNL would be required to “implement EA regulatory commitment [sic] as outlined in the Near Surface Disposal Facility Project Consolidated Commitments Report, 232-513440-REPT-001 that are applicable to construction and pre-operation activities.” (CMD 22-H7, p. 532 of 590, emphasis added)

In essence, mitigation measures would only apply to site preparation and construction activities. 

Most of the significant adverse impacts of the NSDF Project will occur during the operation and post-closure phases. By limiting mitigation measures to construction and pre-operation activities, the proposed licence amendment G.8 would not address most of the significant adverse impacts of the NSDF Project.  Amending the site licence in this manner would not prevent unreasonable risk to the environment and to the health and safety of persons. The Commission would fail to meet its object found in section 9(a)(i) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Of particular concern is that this proposed amendment would allow serious adverse impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples who have lived in the project area since time immemorial.

As already noted, evidence is lacking that the conditions in the Consolidated Commitments Report have been properly taken into account by the decision maker.  Section 53 of CEAA 2012 says it is the decision maker — either the Governor in Council or the CNSC’s Commission, and not the proponent – that must establish the conditions that would permit the NSDF Project to be carried out.  These conditions must include:

(a) the implementation of the mitigation measures that were taken into account in making the decisions under subsection 52(1); and

(b) the implementation of a follow-up program (for determining the effectiveness of any mitigation measures)

There is essentially no follow-up program in the Consolidated Commitments Report. to determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Only a small minority of the commitments would be formally tracked (through an environmental monitoring program).  The “Commitment Tracking Methods” shown in the Report for other mitigation measures are vague phrases or words such as “Good Corporate Responsibility”, “Public Information Program”, “Maintenance”, “Security”, etc.  

This means that there would be no verifiable means for determining the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

CNSC staff nonetheless assert that CNL’s proposed mitigation and follow-up measures – limited to the pre-operation phases of the NSDF Project – would mean there will be “no new impacts” on Indigenous rights.  CNSC staff further assert that Indigenous Nations have been thoroughly engaged on this matter:

Taking into consideration the location of the NSDF site and CNL’s identified mitigation measures and follow-up program measures, CNSC staff conclude that there will be no new impacts on any potential or established Indigenous and/or treaty rights as a result of the NSDF Project (CMD 22-H7, p. 30 of 590) 

Taking into consideration CNL’s list of EA regulatory commitments (including mitigation measures and follow-up program measures) identified to address potential impacts and project-specific concerns, CNSC staff have determined that CNL has conducted a thorough engagement process with the public, Indigenous Nations and communities, and other stakeholders.  (CMD 22-H7, p. 113 of 590)

Indigenous Nations do not agree.  They assert that the engagement process, and the resulting mitigation and follow-up measures proposed by the proponent, will not adequately address the impacts on their established/potential/asserted rights. 

In relation to CNL’s engagement process and the Crown’s Duty to Consult and Governance on the Lands (UNDRIP Articles 18, 29(2), and 32) — and also in relation to KZA’s right to the dignity of its culture (UNDRIP Article 15) — KZA asserts, under the heading “Mitigation and followup measures (proponent)”:

“No suitable accommodation measures have been discussed on this matter. To do so, the consultation has to start back from the beginning, at the project planning phase, to open a window for meaningful consultation and accommodations.” (CMD 22-H7-113.B, Table 9.3: Summary of the severity of potential impacts to Indigenous rights for Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg with respect to the NSDF)

KZA also finds CNL’s mitigation measures to be incomplete in relation to impacts on its Traditional activities and the right of enjoyment and occupancy of the land, its Right of maintaining and protecting a healthy environment and wholesome resources, and its Right of harvesting (hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering of natural resources for food, social or ceremonial purposes).

CNL’s Draft Environmental Assessment Follow-Up Monitoring Program for the Near Surface Disposal Facility (232-509220-PLA-001 R0 Revision 0) essentially confirms the lack of monitoring and follow-up programs related to rights of Indigenous Nations:

Since the EIS has not suggested any likelihood of adverse NSDF Project effects on… traditional land and resource use, nor on Indigenous use and enjoyment of private property, monitoring and follow-up programs are not specifically identified for these.

Monitoring and follow-up programs are not specifically identified for traditional land and resource use; rather, monitoring for environmental pathways (i.e., for air quality, surface water quality, groundwater quality and terrestrial biota) will be implemented.

What must the Commission do in this case?

Although not mentioned by the CNSC staff in CMD 22-H7, there is an important option to be followed in this matter. Slide 10 (“Remedies”) of the presentation by the Ottawa Chapter of the Council of Canadians (CMD 22-H7-117.A) points out that if the Commission decides that the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, “the matter can be submitted to Cabinet pursuant to section 52 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.” 

In our view, this is the appropriate course of action for the Commission, given that it has apparently not taken into account the proposed mitigation measures, or considered whether they are appropriate. 

enregistrement de la conférence de presse sur la CPAC

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE 

Les Premières Nations algonquines s’opposent au monticule géant de déchets radioactifs à proximité de la rivière des Outaouais sur leur territoire non cédé

OTTAWA, le 20 juin 2023 — Aujourd’hui, les chefs de deux Premières Nations algonquines et les grandes cheffes du Conseil tribal de la Nation algonquine-anishinabeg (CTNAA) et du Secrétariat de la Nation algonquine (SNA), représentant dix des onze Premières Nations algonquines, ont enjoint le gouvernement fédéral à abandonner son projet de dépotoir massif de déchets radioactifs en surface sur le territoire algonquin non cédé à proximité de la rivière des Outaouais ou la Kichi Sibi. Elizabeth May, cheffe du Parti vert du Canada et députée de Saanich-Gulf Islands s’est jointe aux chefs et elle a vivement encouragé le gouvernement à respecter les droits des Autochtones dans ses relations avec les Premières Nations algonquines. 

Les chefs des Premières Nations Kebaowek et Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg ont rendu public leur évaluation dirigée par les Autochtones de la proposition relative aux déchets radioactifs et de l’impact qu’aura le projet sur leur culture, la terre, l’eau et la faune. 

« La Kichi Sibi est sacrée pour nos peuples et elle se trouve au cœur de notre terre natale non cédée », a déclaré le chef Lance Haymond, de la Première Nation Kebaowek. « Les peuples algonquins n’ont jamais consenti à ce que le site de Chalk River soit utilisé pendant plus de 75 ans pour des réacteurs nucléaires et la recherche, ni qu’il devienne un dépotoir permanent de déchets radioactifs. La consultation a trop tardé et elle s’est avérée inadéquate. Nous rejetons le plan ».  

Le 10 août, les Nations algonquines présenteront leurs conclusions sur le projet « Installation de gestion des déchets près de la surface » (IGDPS) lors d’une audience de la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire (CCSN).  

Le chef Haymond et le chef Dylan Whiteduck de la Première Nation Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg affirment que la CCSN n’a pas rempli son obligation de consulter. La consultation a eu lieu trop tard dans le processus et le personnel de la CCSN a traité l’IGDPS comme un fait accompli. 

Les deux chefs invoquent l’article 29(2) de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones, dont le Canada est signataire, qui stipule que les Premières Nations doivent donner leur consentement libre, préalable et éclairé au stockage ou à l’élimination de déchets radioactifs sur leurs terres ou territoires. 

« Nous avons constaté que le monticule de déchets radioactifs pouvait avoir de très graves répercussions sur nos droits et intérêts autochtones », a déclaré le chef Whiteduck. « Pour avoir un sens, la consultation doit être entamée dès le début de la planification du projet. Une consultation digne de ce nom devra permettre à Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg un consentement libre, préalable et éclairé ». 

Il a ajouté que l’emplacement de l’installation proposée inquiète beaucoup les Premières Nations. Aucune justification n’a été donnée pour établir une installation de déchets radioactifs si près de Kichi Sibi. « Nous n’avons reçu aucune explication satisfaisante sur les raisons pour lesquelles d’autres sites éloignés de la rivière n’ont pas été envisagés ». 

Selon la grande cheffe Savanna McGregor du CTNAA, qui représente sept Premières Nations algonquines, « le projet de dépotoir de déchets radioactifs s’inscrit dans une longue histoire d’assimilation et d’oppression depuis l’arrivée des Européens. Nous avons vécu des traumatismes intergénérationnels, le déplacement de notre territoire non cédé et l’exclusion historique de la prise de décision sur le site des Laboratoires de Chalk River ». 

« En tant que personnes et dirigeants présents aujourd’hui, il nous incombe de préserver et de protéger la Terre nourricière pour les générations futures. Nous ne pouvons pas risquer la destruction de la terre et de l’eau, qui assurent la vie de tous les êtres », a déclaré la grande cheffe de la SNA, Lisa Robinson, qui est aussi cheffe de la Première Nation Wolf Lake. 

AUTRES CITATIONS 

« Lorsqu’il s’agit de respecter la DNUDPA et son exigence de ‘consentement libre, préalable et éclairé,’ les gouvernements à tous les niveaux préfèrent contraindre et soudoyer les peuples autochtones. Les préoccupations des peuples autochtones ne sont honorées que lorsqu’elles sont conformes aux plans du gouvernement. Au nom du Parti vert du Canada, nous demandons au gouvernement fédéral de respecter les appels du Conseil tribal de la Nation algonquine-anishinabeg et du Secrétariat de la Nation algonquine de rejeter un site de déchets radioactifs toxiques à côté de la rivière des Outaouais ». 

– Elizabeth May, chef du Parti vert du Canada et députée de Saanich-Gulf Islands 

« Le Regroupement pour la surveillance du nucléaire n’a pas la prétention de parler au nom des peuples autochtones. Mais, à titre de citoyens canadiens, nous affirmons clairement et sans équivoque que si la CCSN approuve l’IGDPS malgré l’absence de consentement libre, préalable et éclairé des Premières Nations Kebaowek et Kitigan Zibi, nous considérerons que cet acte déshonore le Canada et tous les Canadiens ». 

– Dr Gordon Edwards, président du Regroupement pour la surveillance du nucléaire 

« L’IGDPS ne répondrait pas à l’exigence la plus élémentaire d’une installation de gestion de déchets radioactifs, à savoir leur confinement et leur isolement. Nous apprécions grandement la position prise par les Premières Nations Kebaowek et Kitigan Zibi pour protéger leurs terres et leurs eaux pour le bien de toute vie dans le bassin versant de la rivière des Outaouais. » 

– Dr Ole Hendrickson, président de l’Ottawa River Institute et chercheur, Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area 

« Nous invitons tous les alliés à manifester leur soutien au consentement libre, préalable et éclairé des peuples algonquins dans les prochaines semaines. Ce n’est là que le dernier exemple d’une histoire de colonialisme et d’absence de consentement pour le développement sur les terres autochtones ». 

– Vi Bui, organisatrice régionale, Conseil des Canadiens 

– 30 –

Contacts médias : 

Justin Roy, conseiller 

Jroy@kebaowek.ca 

(819) 627-3309 

Première nation Kebaowek 

Eva Schacherl 

evaschacherl@gmail.com  

Cellulaire : 613-316-9450 

Conseil des Canadiens – Chapitre d’Ottawa 

CONTEXTE 

Les dernières soumissions des Premières Nations Kebaowek et Kitigan Zibi font état de graves préoccupations concernant les impacts que le dépotoir de déchets radioactifs aura sur la Kichi Sibi (la rivière des Outaouais), sur les générations futures et sur les droits des Autochtones. 

Les Premières Nations algonquines n’ont pas été consultées de manière significative depuis l’annonce initiale de l’évaluation environnementale du projet en 2016.  

Pendant son exploitation et après sa fermeture, l’IGDPS laisserait échapper des matières radioactives et dangereuses dans une zone humide avoisinante et dans la rivière des Outaouais, qui devraient finir par se désintégrer par un processus « d’évolution normale ». Elles pourraient aussi contaminer la rivière sous l’effet de tremblements de terre, de feux de forêt, d’inondations et de phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes. La Kichi Sibi est non seulement sacrée pour les Algonquins, mais le site de Chalk River se trouve également à proximité des sites sacrés algonquins Oiseau Rock et Pointe au Baptême. 

En 2017, l’Assemblée des Premières Nations a adopté une résolution à l’effet que la CCSN et le gouvernement canadien avaient manqué à leur obligation constitutionnelle de consulter et d’accommoder les Premières Nations en ce qui concerne l’IGDPS. La Nation Anishinabek et le Caucus iroquois ont fait une déclaration conjointe sur les déchets radioactifs, à savoir « nous devons protéger les terres, les eaux et tous les êtres vivants pour les générations futures », ne pas abandonner les déchets radioactifs, les tenir éloignés des principaux plans d’eau et ne pas en importer ou en exporter. 

Outre l’opposition des Premières Nations algonquines au projet, plus de 140 municipalités du Québec et de l’Ontario, dont Gatineau et Montréal, ainsi que d’autres voix de la société civile, s’opposent à l’IGDPS, tandis que la ville d’Ottawa a adopté une résolution de préoccupation en 2021. 

REMARQUE : l’évaluation et la soumission finale de Kebaowek et Kitigan Zibi sur l’IGDPS peuvent être consultées à l’adresse http://www.kebaowek.ca/NSDF.html. 

Recording of Press conference on CPAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Algonquin First Nations oppose giant radioactive waste mound beside the Ottawa River on their unceded territory

OTTAWA, June 20, 2023 — Today Chiefs of two Algonquin First Nations and the Grand Chiefs of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) and the Algonquin Nation Secretariat (ANS) – representing 10 of the 11 Algonquin First Nations – called on the federal government to abandon the current plan for a massive, aboveground radioactive waste dump on unceded Algonquin territory near the Ottawa River or Kichi Sibi. The chiefs were joined by Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, who strongly urged the government to respect Indigenous Rights in its dealings with Algonquin First Nations. 

The Chiefs of Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nations made public their Indigenous-led assessment of the radioactive waste proposal and the project’s impact on their culture, land, water and wildlife.   

“The Kichi Sibi is sacred to our peoples and at the heart of our unceded homeland,” said Chief Lance Haymond, of Kebaowek First Nation. “The Algonquin peoples never consented to the Chalk River site being used for over 75 years for nuclear reactors and research, and now being the site for a permanent radioactive waste dump. Consultation was far too late and inadequate, and we reject the plan.”  

Algonquin Nations will present their conclusions about the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) to a hearing of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on August 10. Chief Haymond and Chief Dylan Whiteduck of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation say the CNSC has failed to fulfill the duty to consult. Consultation occurred too late in the process, and CNSC’s staff treated the NSDF as a foregone conclusion.  

Both Chiefs point to Article 29(2) of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to which Canada is a signatory, and which says there must be free, prior and informed consent by First Nations to storage or disposal of radioactive waste on their lands or territories.  

“We have found very severe potential impacts to our Indigenous rights and interests from the radioactive waste mound,” said Chief Whiteduck. “To have any meaning, the consultation has to start back from the very beginning of project planning. Meaningful consultation will have to allow Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg free, prior, and informed consent.”  

He added that the First Nations are very concerned about the location of the proposed facility, and no justification was offered for putting a radioactive waste facility so close to the Kichi Sibi. “We have received no satisfactory explanation for why other sites well away from the river were not considered.” 

According to Grand Chief Savanna McGregor of the AANTC, representing seven Algonquin First Nations, “The radioactive waste dump plan follows a long history of assimilation and oppression since European arrival.  We have faced intergenerational trauma, displacement from our unceded territory, and historical exclusion from decision-making at the Chalk River Laboratories site.”  

“As leaders and as people here today, it is our responsibility to preserve and protect Mother Earth for future generations. We cannot risk the destruction of land and water, which sustains life for all beings,” said Grand Chief Lisa Robinson of the ANS, who is also Chief of Wolf Lake First Nation.  

ADDITIONAL QUOTES: 

“When it comes to respecting UNDRIP and its requirement for ‘free, prior and informed consent,’ governments at all levels prefer to coerce and bribe Indigenous peoples. Indigenous concerns are only honoured when they are consistent with the government’s plans. On behalf of the Green Party of Canada, we call on the federal government to respect the calls from the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council and the Algonquin Nation Secretariat to reject a toxic radioactive waste site on the Ottawa River.” 
– Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands  

“The Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility does not presume to speak on behalf of Indigenous peoples, but as Canadian citizens we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that if CNSC approves the NSDF despite the lack of free, prior and informed consent from the Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi First Nations, we will consider this act as one that dishonours Canada and all Canadians.” 
– Dr. Gordon Edwards, President, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility 

“The NSDF would fail to meet the most basic requirement for a radioactive waste facility — to contain and isolate waste. We greatly appreciate the stand taken by Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi First Nations to protect their land and water for the good of all life in the Ottawa River watershed.”  
– Dr. Ole Hendrickson, President, Ottawa River Institute, and Researcher, Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area 

“We are asking all allies to show their support for free, prior and informed consent by the Algonquin Peoples in the coming weeks. This is just the latest example of a history of colonialism and lack of consent for development on Indigenous lands.”  
– Vi Bui, Regional Organizer, Council of Canadians  

– 30 –

Media contacts:  

Justin Roy, Councillor  

Jroy@kebaowek.ca  

(819) 627-3309  

Kebaowek First Nation  

  

Eva Schacherl  

evaschacherl@gmail.com   

Cell: 613-316-9450  

Council of Canadians – Ottawa Chapter  

  

BACKGROUND 

The final written submissions from Kebaowek First Nation and Kitigan Zibi outline serious concerns about the effects the radioactive waste dump will have on Kichi Sibi (the Ottawa River), future generations and Indigenous rights.   

Meaningful consultation with the Algonquin First Nations has been lacking since the environmental assessment for the project was first announced in 2016.  

The NSDF would leak radioactive and hazardous materials into a nearby wetland and the Ottawa River during operation and after closure. It is expected to eventually disintegrate through a process of  “normal evolution.” It could also contaminate the river through the effects of earthquakes, wildfires, flooding and extreme weather events. Not only is the Kichi Sibi sacred to the Algonquin peoples, the Chalk River site is also near Algonquin sacred sites at Oiseau Rock and Pointe au Baptême.     

In 2017 the Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution stating that the CNSC and Canadian government had failed their constitutional duty to consult and accommodate First Nations with respect to the NSDF. The Anishinabek Nation and Iroquois Caucus made a Radioactive Waste Joint Declaration stating that “we need to protect the lands, waters and all living things for future generations” and calling for no abandonment of radioactive wastes, keeping them away from major water bodies, and no imports or exports of radioactive waste.  

In addition to the Algonquin First Nations’ opposition to the project, more than 140 Quebec and Ontario municipalities, including Gatineau and Montreal, and other civil society voices oppose the NSDF plan, while the City of Ottawa passed a resolution of concern in 2021.  

NOTE:  Kebaowek and Kitigan Zibi’s Indigenous NSDF Assessment and final submission can be found here: http://www.kebaowek.ca/NSDF.html  

June 14, 2023

Two Algonquin First Nations, Kebaowek First Nation (KFN) and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA), are opposed to the giant nuclear waste dump (NSDF) and have not given their consent.  Their joint final submission says:

• the duty to consult has not been fulfilled;
• there is insufficient information to assess the NSDF’s environmental effects or, in the alternative, the NSDF is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the question of whether the adverse environmental effects are justified in the circumstance must be referred to the Lieutenant [an error] Governor in Council as required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (“CEAA 2012”); 
• there is insufficient information to determine that CNL will “make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed”, as required under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (“NSCA”); and
• approving this project would violate the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People (“UNDRIP”), which is a universal human rights instrument with application in Canadian law.

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (AOPFN) have given their consent to construction of the “NSDF” radioactive waste dump at the Chalk River Laboratories on the Ottawa River. Pikwakanagan is situated on the shores of Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River in Renfrew County, Ontario.

The final paragraph of a June 9th announcement on the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories website (https://www.cnl.ca/algonquins-of-pikwakanagan-first-nation-aecl-and-cnl-sign-historic-long-term-relationship-agreement/) reads as follows:

“Since 2020, AECL and CNL have participated in extensive engagements with the AOPFN. As a direct result of this process, CNL has made improvements to the project to address concerns raised through these engagements. With those changes in place and other AOPFN conditions and commitments met by CNL, the organizations have reached agreement on the NSDF project, and the AOPFN will provide its consent to CNL and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to move forward with the construction of the proposed facility. “[emphasis added]

The CNL announcement says “The agreement “resolves and addresses key areas of concern identified by the AOPFN, including environmental protection, radioactive waste management, cultural protection and promotion, and, the pursuit of collaborative economic and business opportunities.”  It quotes Pikwakanagan Chief Greg Sarazin as saying “this agreement is the best path forward as we seek to protect mother earth and ensure the safety of future generations.”

To date, there has been very little media coverage of this development. We learned about it today from an article, “CNL signs safety and oversight agreement with Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation,” on the website of a local radio station, dated June 12th.  

In public hearings in June 2022, five Algonquin First Nations, including KFN, KZA and AOPFN told the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission that they did not consent to the licensing of the NSDF and hadn’t been adequately consulted.

KFN and KZA will speak at a final (virtual only) CNSC hearing on the NSDF Project.  The hearing was recently rescheduled from June 27 to August 10.  It is unclear if AOPFN will also speak at the hearing.