Recognition as rights holder

Subject: Recognition as a Rights Holder and Objection to the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) Process

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a rights holder and descendant of the Naotkamegwanning First Nation, a Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation. Treaty #3 is a living agreement that establishes a nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown and affirms our inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights, which are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. These rights belong to our people and families, not just to our leadership, and include our responsibility to protect the land and water for future generations.

I am deeply concerned about the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s process for it. Many other rights-holding families, nor have I been consulted or meaningfully included in decisions regarding site selection, transportation routes, or long-term risks. Consultation that is limited to certain Chiefs and Councils does not fulfill the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate, nor does it reflect the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.

Nuclear waste is not a temporary issue; it remains dangerous for thousands of years. The transportation and storage of nuclear waste within Treaty #3 territory expose our waters and ecosystems to permanent harm and place an unfair burden on future generations. Our Nations do not benefit from nuclear power and continue to face infrastructure gaps and power outages, yet we are expected to bear the risks associated with the nuclear industry. This is unjust and violates the spirit and intent of Treaty #3. Therefore, I do not consent to the transportation or storage of nuclear waste within Treaty #3 territory.

Miigwetch,

Roberta Crow

Naotkamegwanning First Nation