Including Indigenous voices in Canada’s nuclear discussions

Source: Sue Prince and Julia Domaradzki | · HATCH · | June 13, 2024

Canada is addressing climate change through clean energy initiatives and developed the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Plan in 2020 as part of its considerable investment in alternatives to traditional nuclear reactors.

While SMR developers have been engaging with Indigenous Peoples on nuclear projects for decades, advocacy groups such as the Assembly of First Nations, are demanding more meaningful consultation and input.

Historically, Indigenous Peoples have been marginalized by Canada’s colonial appropriation of land and resources. Prior to the 1982 Canadian Constitution Act (The Act), resource development—including nuclear energy—did not require consultation with Indigenous Peoples. The Act, along with the 2021 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), outlines principles that must be adhered to regarding resource development of any kind, including discussions and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.

UNDRIP also references Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which is a framework for reconciliation. Applied to nuclear energy and waste, it recognizes the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination. This gives them a decision-making voice on how nuclear development and waste management projects will impact their communities and environments.

Personal perspective

We did not use conventional methods in researching our academic paper, titled “Nuclear Development and Waste Management: Meeting Indigenous Peoples’ Needs and Values on Proposed Approaches and Solutions.” Rather, we embraced First Nation storytelling traditions by interviewing six First Nations professionals from across Canada. Where each had a connection to their culture, their traditions, and to the nuclear industry. We used quotes from the interviews to guide the five concluding recommendations.