Indigenous Relations

Engagement

We are committed to long-lasting and meaningful relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people (Indigenous peoples) built upon communication, transparency, respect and reconciliation. We will engage with Indigenous peoples on the Integrated Strategy on Radioactive Waste (ISRW), and ensure all participants are provided the opportunity to provide input and advice. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recognizes the diverse backgrounds, cultures and customs of Indigenous peoples and the need to consider the impacts of today on the next seven generations.

Working Together

The term Indigenous peoples (or Aboriginal peoples) refers to First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples. These are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada. In the 2016 census by Statistics Canada, over 1.6 million people in Canada identified as Indigenous, making up 4.9 per cent of the national population. 

The NWMO will be reaching out to Indigenous communities to engage and provide information about the ISRW and about the NWMO as an organization. As an organization we have shared information with the general population through ongoing messaging on our website and social media channels. We will be taking a strategic approach to ensure a broad spectrum of Indigenous voices representing numerous First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are heard in the development of the ISRW.

How can I provide input?

During the course of this engagement, we will be providing several different forums and events for input. Please register to be alerted to new input opportunities and participate in the engagement opportunities you find below and elsewhere on the site.

Canadian Radioactive Waste Summit

On March 30th, 2021 we held a three-day national Summit. We invited Canadians and Indigenous peoples interested in participating in the development of the strategy to gather, learn, and share their perspective in a series of talks, panels, and interactive sessions online. We hosted breakout discussion groups where participants could interact with others and learn more about the topics. 

There were sessions geared to youth, Indigenous peoples, industry, civil society organizations, academia, knowledge specialists in the waste field and interested Canadians.  Indigenous panelists and facilitators made up a quarter of the speakers and contributed to the success of the Summit by providing advice and guidance throughout the three days.

Please use this link to view videos of the panels, and other materials from the Summit, including a What We Heard Report. 

There are various ways you can provide input such as completing our survey, participating in a virtual community engagement session or technical workshops geared towards experts and non-experts, and contacting us directly if your Indigenous community/organization would like to discuss hosting dedicated engagement activities on the development of the strategy at info@radwasteplanning.ca

Please sign up for our communications, to be informed of opportunities to provide input and to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities. 

What will NWMO do with the information?

Your input in this ISRW will help us understand what is important to you and perhaps your Nation and will inform the recommendations to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada on developing Canada’s ISRW.