One Thousand Cups of Tea - Engaging with Communities about Nuclear Waste Management

Abstract

When you talk to the public about the possibility of hosting a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, people have a lot of questions. If they know about nuclear energy and its important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they may ask about transportation safety or what is the multiple barrier system?

If they are unfamiliar with the project, and what they know about nuclear waste was learned from social media and The Simpsons, the first question they often ask is ‘Are you out of your mind?’ They don’t want those leaking barrels of goo dumped in the swamp out back.

That’s where we’re starting from when we talk to some people about nuclear waste.

How do we, as engagement professionals and communicators, counteract the misinformation shared on social media? How do we connect with critical voices and get to a point where they are comfortable asking questions and respecting our answers?

Bob Watts is the NWMO’s Vice-President of Indigenous Relations, and he was invited to Thunder Bay to speak at a Chamber of Commerce event. During his presentation he said, “Trust is built over a thousand cups of tea.”

At the NWMO, we actively engage with communities in and around the siting areas to give people the opportunity to learn more. We have toured our Mobile Learn More Centre thousands of kilometres across Northwestern Ontario to talk about the project and how it could impact their community. We understand that each community has their own specific needs and accesses information differently, and we need to be adaptable to meet those local needs. We also reach out to critical voices and offer to sit down and talk. They can bring their tough questions and we will take the time to answer.

How do you engage with people on the subject of nuclear waste?

Be willing to drink one thousand cups of tea with someone who thinks you are out of your mind.