Developing Engagement with Indigenous Youth

Abstract

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is committed to the active and meaningful participation of interested municipalities, First Nation and Métis communities along with the surrounding communities. From its inception in 2002, the NWMO has sought to develop its processes and plans with the involvement of Indigenous peoples that provides for a foundation of ongoing engagement, partnership dialogue, and social license to explore the possible viability of a potential host community to host the Adaptive Phased Management Deep Geological Repository (APM DGR).

Given the timeline of the project, it is extremely important to engage Aboriginal (Indigenous) youth in the siting and surrounding area, since they will have a voice in the approval process, as well as the potential workforce for this large project over the 150-year projected timeline. The term “Aboriginal” in Canada refers to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons.