Reconciliation Action Plans as successful tools for community involvement, outreach and education in the nuclear sector

Abstract

Traditionally, the nuclear industry in Canada has played a passive role in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. With the development of solutions like small modular reactors (SMRs), companies in the nuclear sector must acknowledge Indigenous peoples and histories when advancing technologies in communities across Canada. This paper will address how Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) provide the basis for community involvement, outreach and education as reconciliation tools. In doing so, the sector can begin to correct systemic discrimination within the nuclear space, with the end goal of benefitting Indigenous communities and rightsholders, as well as company stakeholders. We will provide examples of organizations whose reconciliation efforts have made a significant impact on the industry – where nuclear can be the gold standard for Call to Action #92, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s recommendations for corporate Canada.