Building supply chain capacity and capability through partnerships with Indigenous communities

Abstract

The nuclear industry is called upon to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 92 to ensure Indigenous communities have equitable access to jobs, training, and educational opportunities, and that Indigenous communities gain long-term and sustained benefits from economic development projects. Moreover, it is anticipated that the nuclear industry will be left with a shortfall of resources to meet net-zero goals. This paper explores the impact that meaningful reconciliation through collaborative partnerships can have in strengthening and positioning Indigenous-owned businesses to participate in the existing and emerging nuclear supply chain for advanced reactors to mitigate risk of capacity shortfalls with a new nuclear build-out. Through a case study of the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and Hatch partnership, this paper will demonstrate an approach that could be replicated by other organizations intending to support Indigenous businesses to enter the nuclear supply chain.