Nuclear power plant deemed an option

Chief Rick Gamble of the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation wants to make sure First Nations aren't left out of the picture if nuclear energy gets the green light in Saskatchewan.
"We want to take an informed approach," said Chief Gamble in an interview with Sage. "Basically, we want to make sure we know what it's all about."
Along with Chief Gamble, some council members met Bruce Power representatives at a recent economic development forum, which led to an invitation to speak to all of the band leadership as well as band members.
Chief Gamble said that a Bruce Power representative came to the band's school to give high school students information about nuclear development.
When questioned about an imminent deal, Chief Gamble minimized any immediate plans - the band owns suitable land near Saskatoon situated on the river, and nuclear reactors require extensive water access. Chief Gamble would only say that the band membership would need to be consulted and further research done before any final decisions were made.
To that end, Chief Gamble is planning a field trip in the near future, in which Bruce Power will give some band members a tour through Ontario facilities next month.
"Toronto gets much of their energy from nuclear," said Chief Gamble, adding that since infamous nuclear incidents like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, there have been improvements in technology and monitoring.
"We're going to go see for ourselves," he said, adding they are prepared to approach the matter with an open mind. "We'd like to bring out more people, and do breakout sessions involve the senate and program directors, too."
Chief Gamble said the band has also explored possible ethanol development at the Prince Albert pulp mill by inviting industry representatives to do presentations for the young people - exposing them to job opportunities and career paths.
Meanwhile, the Chief and Council are exploring band development opportunities, Chief Gamble said, with visits from Bruce Power as part of the move.
"We just want to know what it's all about, and show possibilities for the future to our students and young people," he said. "The status quo doesn't work for us right now."
Chief Gamble expects to take some heat for exploring nuclear energy, but called casinos one example of sensitive or controversial First Nations industry that doesn't always sit well with the general public.
He said during the presentation from Bruce Power, a lot of the students were critical of the nuclear industry, as they asked the representatives a number of questions that went against nuclear development.
Some band members are alarmed and concerned by the advances of Bruce Power, including Marcel Petit, a local filmmaker and photographer.
"Bruce Power is out on our land saying how beautiful it is...promising jobs and telling us nuclear power doesn't have any harmful side effects," Petit said, adding that just because (the proposed plant) would not be right on the reserve, it does not mean band members and the general public should not be concerned.
Petit is very skeptical of the track records and techniques of the nuclear industry, but he is hopeful Chief Gamble will proceed with caution and consultation.
"(Chief Gamble) has done a lot for the reserve since he's been Chief, I give him a lot of credit for what he's done," said Petit, adding that nuclear power is another thing altogether.
"It's not like a casino - we're talking about something affecting the whole province," he said, while also questioning why band members did not receive notice.
"It seemed like it was a bit hidden - all of a sudden this piece came out in the Saskatchewan Valley News. It should have been mentioned in a letter that 'we've got this land and Bruce Power is courting us for it.' "
Petit said land use for wind farms or general farming would be fine, and he was proud to hear that the band was also investigating wind power, a cheaper and cleaner alternative to nuclear development, which also creates long-term jobs.
"But because I'm against nuclear energy and nuclear power as a whole - the dangers behind it, the costs behind it - we should be looking at the big picture," Petit said.
He said his concerns are shared by other on and off-reserve band members, and he plans to get the word out about downsides of nuclear energy, downsides that Bruce Power may be less inclined to share.
"This is such a big issue for all of us, it's important not to go behind everyone's back," said Petit. "I understand economic development - we have every right to search and find ways to make the reserve better but when it comes to the nuclear energy issue, the whole band should be part of the discussion... The consequences are longer-term than we can imagine."