Concerns and comments about a proposed storage facility for nuclear waste in northern Saskatchewan were raised today at a meeting in Prince Albert.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Nuclear Waste Management Organization hosted the information session at the Prince Albert Inn.
An official from the Nuclear Waste group explained the process being taken is to find a suitable underground site for nuclear waste in Canada.
Ninety per cent of nuclear bundles are currently stored in Ontario but a permanent site is needed.
The NWMO says public consultations have revealed a majority of people think this problem needs to be fixed soon rather than handing it down to future generations.
FSIN Vice-Chief Bobby Cameron agrees with this.
However, at the same time he also has strong reservations about storing nuclear waste in the province.
“I can tell you this, that speaking to our communities from the north, east, west and southern directions –the bottom line is they say it’s not worth it,” he says. “Nothing’s worth our land. I mean look at all industry throughout Saskatchewan and Canada for that matter and the damage it has caused the environment.”
A member of the Idle No More movement also attended this morning’s talk.
Ashley Marie Wilson says she’s very worried about nuclear waste storage.
Through tears, she implored residents to educate themselves about the issues and what’s at stake.
“It is very important that people know what’s coming if they let this happen and they don’t stand up to do something about it now,” she says.
Tim Peekeekoot of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation was also one of the residents on hand.
He says he’s concerned about the proposal and feels companies that do damage to the environment aren’t being held to account as much as they should be.
“It says in the treaty that anyone violating the treaties will be brought to justice,” he says.
Nevertheless, a spokeswoman with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization says a decision on where to store nuclear waste permanently is years away.
Pat Patton says Pinehouse, the English River Reserve and Creighton are all in phase one of a three-step selection process.
Later this year, a decision will be made on whether or not these communities wish to proceed to phase two.
Today’s meeting was open to grassroots First Nations residents but closed to the media.
An official with the NWMO confirms it paid $1 million to the FSIN for its help to host the meetings.