The Nuclear Waste Management Organization, which is looking at Ignace as a potential site for an underground repository, is taking a significant step towards reconciliation.
The prganization is acknowledging historical wrongs in Canada’s past and the need to create a better future by addressing the challenges of today.
The declaration came at an Indigenous ceremony attended by elders and youth.
Elder Diane Longboat says the NWMO is demonstrating leadership by interweaving First Nation, Métis voices and Indigenous knowledge systems into its ongoing work, adding their effort to build meaningful relationships will serve them well in the long run.
The Organization is now working on a specific Reconciliation Policy that will include recommendations and timelines to strengthen its relationship with First Nations.
The full NWMO Reconciliation Statement is below:
“In the context of reconciliation, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recognizes historical wrongs in Canada’s past and the need to create a better future by addressing the challenges of today.
The NWMO Council of Elders and Youth speaks of this journey as a new era for humanity, a time of reconciliation with First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples.
The NWMO is committed to contribute to reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being.
In addition, the NWMO will establish a Reconciliation Policy with an implementation strategy that will be measured annually and publically reported to contribute to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.”
