Engaging Aboriginal Peoples In Canada’s Plan For The Long-Term Management Of Used Nuclear Fuel

Abstract

The interests and concerns of Aboriginal peoples are integral to development and implementation of Canada's plans for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has an ongoing statutory obligation and a commitment to active and meaningful participation with Aboriginal peoples. The organization has worked with Aboriginal organizations and individuals to develop long-term engagement and dialogue processes that respect traditional Aboriginal practices, culture, protocols and approaches to decision-making. Aboriginal peoples were significant participants in the 2003-2005 study that resulted in the recommendation for Adaptive Phased Management (APM). After the Canadian government agreed to proceed with APM, Aboriginal peoples provided valuable input into development of the process for selecting a site for a deep geological repository (DGR) for the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel. The involvement of Aboriginal stakeholders continues to be important as Canada moves into the siting process. Engagement of Aboriginal peoples is guided by principles that respond to the unique interests, perspectives and culture of Aboriginal peoples. These principles recognize and honour the special relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the natural environment, their unique stewardship responsibilities, and the fact that Aboriginal peoples are holders of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK), which brings value to planning processes. The NWMO has been working with Aboriginal Elders and others to learn about ATK and to interweave this knowledge into its work. ATK includes important knowledge about the land, ecology and intergenerational decision-making. The NWMO and Aboriginal peoples have given life to engagement principles and the wisdom of ATK by collaboratively developing a number of programs including agreements with national, regional and local Aboriginal organizations. Additionally, the NWMO has developed communication materials with Aboriginal stakeholders, with a view to building the capacity of Aboriginal peoples to remain engaged over time. Another key process has been the establishment of the Elders Forum. As Canada moves more deeply into the process of selecting an "informed and willing community", Aboriginal peoples and the NWMO continue to develop engagement mechanisms and to work to include ATK in plans and decision-making. The contributions of Aboriginal peoples and Elders have helped the NWMO develop its Aboriginal engagement program and have shaped broader engagement principles and strategies. Moving forward, the NWMO will continue to build on the approaches and activities for Aboriginal engagement that have brought so much value to its work and its collaboration with all Canadians.