Canada’s nuclear waste plans in Ignace, Ontario are held up as an example of “community engagement” by the UK’s Nuclear Waste Services.

However the First Nations of the wider area of Ontario and Manitoba have taken a stand vehemently opposing the plans for a deep nuclear dump and have now made an official statement of opposition.
 
Chris Skead, Chief of Wauzhusk Onigum has said “This deep geological repository poses and unprecedented threat to the integrity, safety, and sanctity of Kabapikotawangag and its surrounding environments. It has the potential to compromise the health, welfare, and cultural heritage of our Anishinaabeg people,” Chief Skead went on to explain that “Section 29(2) of UNDRIP requires states to take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials takes place in our territory without our free, prior and informed consent. As stewards of the lands and waters in our territory, we have not provided our free, prior, and informed consent.” “As Treaty 3 rights-holders, we have a duty to protect and safeguard Kabapikotawangag (also known as Lake of the Woods). We cannot let this type of project move forward,” Chief Skead continued.

Cumbrian campaigners have sent a message of thanks and solidarity..

“A whole hearted Thank You from Cumbria UK for your strong stand against the nuclear waste dumping plans in Ontario.  Your principled stand gives us inspiration here in Cumbria where nuclear waste dumping plans have been successfully opposed many times but the rules keep being rewritten and now the plan is back with a vengeance with the wider region (not that large in Canadian terms with Cumbria being around 100 miles from end to end) being excluded from having any say while those immediately in the vicinity of the plans are being showered with “poisoned sweets” £millions of public money.  Money cannot bring back polluted land and sea and your stand gives us renewed hope, thank you!”  Lakes Against Nuclear Dump, Cumbria UK

More information here: https://www.lakesagainstnucleardump.com/post/first-nations-tribal-council-in-ontario-and-manitoba-have-declared-opposition-to-nuclear-dump-plans

photo credit: James Wheeler/pexels