STRONGER
TOGETHER
PROTECT
the KICHI SIBI
NSDF is not the best solution.
© Original Artwork by Destiny Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
© Original Artwork by Destiny Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
© Original Artwork by Destiny Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
© Original Artwork by Destiny Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
"Kebaowek wins second court challenge protecting endangered Blandings turtle from nuclear waste dump development."
SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD
Support free, prior and informed consent
Photo: Glenda Stevens and Eagle Staff Carrier Luc Goupil Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg, July 10, 2024.
Federal Court Recognizes Kebaowek First Nation’s Right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent on Chalk River Nuclear Waste Project.
​​In her judgement, Justice Blackhawk said the court challenge was a test of "our commitment as Canadians to reconcilliation and what is truly required to move toward achieving these objectives. This application also tests Canada's commitments to implement the principles set out in the UNDRIP, in particular the standard of 'free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).'"
She directed the commission and CNL to "resume consultation with Kebaowek with a view to implementing the UNDRIP FPIC standard in a robust manner, by adapting its processes to address Indigenous laws, knowledge and processes and to develop a process that is aimed at reaching an agreement."
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- Marie Woolf Globe and Mail, February 2025
"This nuclear waste facility will damage the water and we all know that. Conscientious people are rising. We must rise together, we are all in that medicine wheel. No matter our colour, our creed or our title, we are all related in the human family and we must stand together."
We cannot stop the thunder. We cannot stop the rain from falling. We cannot stop the lightning from shining. We cannot stop the rivers from flowing. But together as human beings, as brothers and sisters, we can certainly stop thenuclear waste facility from coming here on the Ottawa River."
Meegwetch
Claudette Commanda,
Algonquin Elder, August 10, 2023
Irreversible Harm to Ottawa River Watershed
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© Original Artwork by Destiny Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
1
Million cubic metres +
of nuclear waste
1.1
Kilometres from the
Kichi Sibi
13
Waste management areas
300
Year period of institutional
control
Our Solution
1. Canadian and Indigenous laws should equally protect biodiversity in accordance with the principle of legal pluralism in Canada, a notion reinforced by Aboriginal title and the Quebec superior court's decision in White and Montour, which recognizes Indigenous laws' crucial role in accommodating the Nation's sovereignty, particularly in unceded territories.
2. Canada needs to commit to a strategy that aligns with its international legal obligations and UNDA 2021 towards the Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples and the biodiversity of lands previously managed sustainably under Algonquin Anishinaabe laws and practices.
Canadian United Nations Declaration Act 2021
