London 'Not realistic': Saugeen Ojibway Nation may not vote on nuclear waste plan in 2024 Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Greg Nadjiwon and Chief of Saugeen First Nation Conrad Ritchie are seen in Wiarton, Ont. on May 24, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) Share The chiefs in charge of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation said their community will get to vote on whether or not they want Canada’s most radioactive waste buried in their territory.
“The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) will have a referendum, and the majority wins,” said Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Greg Nadjiwon. When that vote will take place however is still undecided. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), tasked with finding a permanent home for Canada’s used nuclear fuel, wants to select a site by year’s end.
“That’s the NWMO’s goal, whether we will be able to meet that target is I would say no, not realistic,” said Nadjiwon, speaking from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s Environment Office in Wiarton, Ont. on Friday. The NWMO has plans to bury Canada’s high level nuclear waste, 5.
6 million used nuclear fuel bundles worth, under 1,500 acres of farmers fields north of Teeswater, Ont. in Bruce County. Those fields fall within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
According to the NWMO, the project will not move forward without the approval of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, or the local municipality, the Municipality of South Bruce, who have .