Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation votes to move forward with potential nuclear waste site in Ignace area
A First Nations community located near one of the potential sites for a nuclear waste deep geological repository has voted to proceed with the process.
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Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) released a statement Nov. 18 saying its members voted yes in a willingness referendum.
“This is just the beginning of a long process, and our Nation will be leading every step of the way,” said Chief Clayton Wetelainen in the statement.
According to NOWNewwswatch.com, Wetelainen said WLON’s yes vote was higher than Ignace’s April community poll of nearly 78 per cent where 660 of the 1035 eligible voters cast a ballot. In July, the Ignace council unanimously voted to move forward as a potential host of the $26 billion project.
WLON conducted an online and in-person referendum from Oct. 15 through to Nov. 16 to allow the approximately 1100 Manomin People to cast their vote.
The “yes” vote demonstrates WLON’s willingness to enter the next phase of in-depth environmental and technical assessments to determine safety and site suitability, but it is not a green light for the project.
“WLON is committed to prioritizing safety and environmental protection throughout the process,” he said. “As Anishinaabe, we have a sacred relationship with the land. We belong to the land and we have a sacred duty to protect the land for all our relations and for generations to come.”
Wetelainen said it may take a decade for NWMO (Nuclear Waste Management Organization) to finalize its plan, complete the necessary studies and assessments and obtain permits.
“We sincerely thank the members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Chief Wetelainen and Council for their thoughtful approach and commitment to learning and engagement over the past 12 years,” said Lise Morton, NWMO vice president of site selection in a release.
The WLON decision allows the Ignace-Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation site to proceed in the selection process; it does not indicate that the NWMO has chosen it.
Community members of the other potential site, South Bruce, held a referendum Oct. 28, with 51 per cent of members voting yes to the deep geological repository site. However the community requires the Saugeen Objibway Nations (SON) decision to proceed.
The SON has indicated they will deliver a decision early in the new year, solidifying South Bruce’s position as a possible host or eliminating it.
Source: Farmtario.com