FSIN targets $1 million for nuclear waste talks

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) has begun a process that could potentially invest $1 million over three years to two northern First Nations communities.

The village of Pinehouse and the English River First Nation are both interested in exploring the multi billion-dollar industry of nuclear waste storage.

FSIN signed an Oct. 1 agreement with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) that will hopefully lead to an educated decision for the communities as they consider being host to nuclear waste storage. Monies will be used to plan forums, workshops, surveys, etc. says FSIN Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish.

Whitefish said the FSIN takes no position with the NWMO and simply provides the information.

This first step is only the beginning of a 20-30 year process, if approved by all parties, said Chief Whitefish.
There are a number of factors to be looked at by the communities, the FSIN and NWMO, before the actual facility would be up and running. This includes the accessibility of deep geological surveys, transportation issues, and informing those who would be potentially impacted.

Altogether there are four communities that are vying for this nuclear waste site, one being in the Maritimes, said Chief Whitefish.

NWMO Communications Manager, Mike Krizanc said through studies done back in 2002 there is a recognition that First Nations must deliver the educational information to community members in ways that they see fit.

According to Krizanc, NWMO developed the ‘Adaptive Phased Management Project’, which required NWMO to present recommendations to government on long-term management of used nuclear fuel, and, in this case, is the means behind the involvement of First Nations organizations.

“During the study we had a relationship with FSIN, they produced a number of reports, the outcomes of the aboriginal dialogue and the government approved the plan in 2007…we collaborate with people to get their input…we provided the funding to do that,” says Krizanc.
The overall time that NWMO said it would take a host community to become established is around eight years because of the need to provide proof that the whole community is involved in the decision, added Krizanc, through such processes as community polls.

The idea of the elected turnaround would not show as much commitment as the involvement of all citizens, said Krizanc.

White agreed there has to be that full commitment.
“NWMO is not going to be putting a nuclear waste bundle into the land for the next 30 years and maybe the location (won’t be) suitable,” said Chief Whitefish and added First Nations and the Aboriginal community are not targeted, that this plan is open to all Canadian communities.

An opportunity like this will create better infrastructure- buildings, roads, proper water and housing, sewage systems, and of course employment, while empowering the community, said Chief Whitefish.

He added the worst-case scenario would be an environmental disaster from a radiation leak.

Krizanc stated the plan is a host community will be enhanced by profits and sustainability.

New Democratic Party MLA Dwayne Lingenfelter publicly stated his opposition, that he does not want nuclear waste in Saskatchewan.