STRONGER TOGETHER- protect the Kichi Sibi

Hello, Kwe dear supporters and allies.

On January 9th, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved a license to build a 1-million-ton nuclear waste dump called the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) 1 kilometer from the Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River) in Chalk River Ontario: upstream from the cities of Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal and more than 100 additional municipalities. Millions of Canadians rely on the Ottawa River watershed for healthy drinking water. Many species of cultural significance to Algonquin Peoples call the NSDF footprint home, including Eastern Wolves, black bears, moose, and the now endangered Black Ash tree. 10 of the 11 Algonquin Nations have not given free, prior and informed consent to constructing this project.

In a precedent-setting move, on February 7th, Kebaowek First Nation, supported by Kitigan Zibi and the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, filed a judicial review with the Federal Court of Appeals to challenge the license and preserve the health of the Ottawa River. The outcome of the court’s decision is said to be a “litmus test” for how federal commissions or boards need to take the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as signed into Canadian law by the 2021 UNDA act, into account when making decisions about licenses or approvals for future projects. The success of this court case will set precedent for all First Nations to have a legal foundation to launch from in protecting their traditional lands from harmful and forced developments in Canadian courts.

We are fighting the battle, but we can’t do it alone. We are calling on you to spread awareness of this issue far and wide, and are humbly asking you to support our legal aid fund to cover the substantial fees associated with the court case, as we are limited in our ability to fund the legal case on our own. For more information and to stay updated on the movement to prevent the construction of the NSDF, visit www.stopnuclearwaste.com and follow us on social media @stopnuclearwaste.

“The duty to consult was breached. We are going to the Federal Court to challenge the Commission’s incorrect and unreasonable decision. The Commission needed to carry out a procedurally fair consultation process informed by the UNDRIP, which it ultimately failed to do"

- Chief Lance Haymond

The success of the judicial review means the protection of:

- The Kichi Sibi, as a drinking water and life source for our people and people across Ontario and Quebec

- Species at risk present around the site of the NSDF footprint

- Animals of importance to Algonquin Culture

- Our members’ rights to harvest, govern and protect the territory

- Our cultural and spiritual relationship with the territory including our relationships with the animals who live on the territory

- Our members’ ability to access cultural sites and resources near the project

We are Stronger Together. Protect the Kichi Sibi.

Miigwetch, thank you, merci.