Local Indigenous group upset over not being consulted on Canada’s new nuclear strategy

Saugeen Ojibway Nation, a local Indigenous group, say they weren’t consulted on the province’s nuclear plan, and have concerns.

Leaders with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) are frustrated they weren’t consulted about Canada’s plan to support the construction of 10 new nuclear reactors across the country.

One of the world’s largest nuclear stations, Bruce Power, operates within the Saugeen Ojibway territory, north of Kincardine. Bruce Power is currently working towards adding four nuclear reactors to their eight-reactor fleet.

“History cannot repeat itself. Canada and Ontario cannot continue to treat SON Territory as an energy sacrifice zone, an area where the land, water and people bear the risks while the benefits flow elsewhere,” said Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Veronica Smith.

Chiefs with both the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation have written a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing their anger in not being consulted on Canada’s “new nuclear strategy.”

“Canada and Ontario must first address the legacy of past nuclear decisions and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. SON will not accept a nuclear future built on the same marginalization and exploitation that has defined the past,” said the statement released by Saugeen Ojibway Nation leaders earlier this week.

Bruce Power is in the midst of a lengthy environmental assessment to determine if their current site would be suitable for a multi-billion project to add four more nuclear reactors to their operation.

Local municipal governments and the provincial government have thrown their support behind the idea that would add thousands of jobs to the region.

SON leaders say their consent “is required for any new nuclear development in or affecting our territory.”