Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Ignace to Lead Long-Term Nuclear Waste Management Project

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2024 – The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has announced Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and the Township of Ignace as the selected host communities for Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. This landmark decision represents a critical step toward ensuring the safe, long-term storage of nuclear waste while protecting people, water, and the environment.

“This is a historic moment,” stated Laurie Swami, NWMO President and CEO. “This project will solve an environmental issue and supports Canada’s climate change goals. And today’s decision was driven by a consent-based siting process led by Canadians and Indigenous peoples. This is what making history looks like.”

Groundbreaking Indigenous and Local Leadership

The deep geological repository will be located within the traditional lands of WLON and the Township of Ignace. Indigenous leadership is central to the project, with WLON developing its own Regulatory Assessment and Approval Process (RAAP) to ensure Anishinaabe values and laws are respected throughout.

“We acknowledge the NWMO site selection decision, and we look forward to continuing to work closely as this project enters the regulatory assessment phase,” said WLON Chief Clayton Wetelainen. “Our membership spoke with a clear voice in our willingness decision that we have the bravery and courage to continue to the next phase of this project. WLON views our role as the potential host for Canada’s used nuclear fuel as one of the most important responsibilities of our time. We cannot ignore this challenge and allow it to become a burden for future generations.”

Wetelainen emphasized WLON’s commitment to oversight, stating, “The WLON Regulatory Assessment and Approval Process (WLON-RAAP) asserts our Sovereign rights while protecting our Anishinaabe Values and Laws. This project will be under intense scrutiny by our Nation’s regulatory process in addition to the regulatory oversight by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the CNSC. Wabigoon will ensure that safety, environmental protection, and Anishinaabe values are upheld throughout this process.”

Ignace: A Vision for Prosperity

The Township of Ignace also embraced the decision, celebrating the opportunity to contribute to a project that will benefit future generations.

Mayor Kim Baigrie remarked, “The Township of Ignace is honoured, humbled, and delighted to have been chosen as the site of a deep geological repository to store Canada’s used nuclear fuel by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the future of this community, for its residents, our youth, and for generations to come.

“We will now begin to focus on being committed, dedicated, and fully engaged in the process to establish Canada’s first-ever deep geological repository with a goal to build up our community, our region, and the future prosperity of all of northwestern Ontario. We thank the NWMO, our neighbours at Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and most importantly the staff, volunteers, and people of Ignace, for their confidence and for having so dedicatedly committed their time for over a decade towards our collective success in being selected today.”

A Collaborative and Rigorous Process

This decision follows 14 years of rigorous technical studies and community consultations. NWMO emphasized that the selection process was guided by safety, community well-being, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.

“We have learned so much from all the communities that took part in this process over the years,” said Lise Morton, NWMO Vice-President of Site Selection. “By challenging us, they helped the NWMO grow and become a better organization, and they directly shaped this project.”

Federal and provincial leaders commended the leadership shown by WLON, Ignace, and NWMO.

“I express my deep gratitude to the communities of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace, as well as the many other communities that were involved in the site selection process, for their thoughtful leadership and active engagement,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “I also commend the NWMO for its long, hard work and for the progress it has made in advancing a safe, responsible, and informed plan. Thanks to our commitment to health and safety, Canadian nuclear energy will continue to power communities at home and allies around the world – providing Canadians jobs and opportunities for generations.”

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, The Honourable Stephen Lecce, added, “I extend my thanks to the leaders of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace for their leadership and willingness to host this vital project. As our government expands our zero-emissions nuclear fleet to meet rising energy demand, Ontario is cementing its position as a world leader in all parts of the nuclear lifecycle – this achievement by NWMO is just the latest example.”