Forever dangerous: New video outlines Indigenous Nations’ positions on nuclear energy and waste

A 10-minute video titled Askomiw Ksanaqak (Forever Dangerous): Indigenous Nations Resist Nuclear Colonialism was released on Nov. 29 as part of a study by the SSHRC-funded Contesting Energy Discourses through Action Research (CEDAR) project at St. Thomas University.

Peskotomuhkati Nation of Skutik Chief Hugh Akagi and Wolastoq Grand Council Chief Ron Tremblay feature heavily in the video, explaining the lack of consultation around the development of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generation Station in New Brunswick.

Watch footage from the launch here: 

The video features stunning shots of the Bay of Fundy. Along with beautiful cinematography, the video’s detailed graphic animations illustrate the supposed precautionary zones around Point Lepreau. CEDAR and co-publishers, the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. (PRGI), worked with northern Ontario company Eleven North Visuals to produce the video.

In the video, Chief Tremblay explains that the title was created by Wolastoq elders, including Opolahsomuwehs Imelda Perley. The group of elders came together to learn about the facts of nuclear power generation. Once that was achieved, they created a word in the Indigenous language, “Askomiw Ksanaqak,” which describes the “forever dangerous” effects of nuclear power generation on the environment.

Also appearing in the video, Mississauga First Nation Councillor Peyton Pitawanakwat described how her community is close to the largest uranium refinery in the world, north of Lake Huron in Ontario. Uranium fuel is required to fuel nuclear reactors.

Earlier this year, Pitawanakwat, Chief Tremblay and Chief Akagi met in Ottawa with other Indigenous leaders from Ontario and Quebec and then held a media event at the National Press Theatre to share their apprehensions about nuclear waste on their territories.

Chief Tremblay, in the Fredericton video launch, outlined the importance of vigilance: “we can watch the world, the flora and the fauna (…) and how it’s reacting to the climate changes.” Also in attendance, Chief Akagi attested to the anxiety nuclear development has for him: “the Native in me cries for generations yet to come.” Chief Akagi told the audience: “in order to tell the truth, we have to get around to debunking the lies.”

Askomiw Ksanaqak (Forever Dangerous): Indigenous Nations Resist Nuclear Colonialism:

Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin was also present at the event. Atwin signalled that the government was fighting for the “human right to clean water.” Atwin added: “I want the next generations to have the same opportunity” as she did, to grow up in “our beautiful province.”

Atwin also noted that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) had announced the previous day their selection of a site in Northwestern Ontario for a proposed Deep Geological Repository for high-level nuclear waste, with the support of the local First Nation. In response, Susan O’Donnell clarified that Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation had agreed to continue to be part of the NWMO process but had not given its informed consent to the project.

Newly reelected MLA for Fredericton-Lincoln David Coon, Leader of the provincial Green Party, also spoke at the launch, highlighting “local forms of renewable [power] generation” and saying that “for me this is a hopeful day.”

The new study analyzed public statements about nuclear energy and radioactive waste. Co-author Robert Atwin who also spoke at the launch described how he reviewed all the submissions by Indigenous nations and communities to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The study also examined the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada. Since its release earlier in the week, 451 copies of the report had been downloaded at the time of the launch event.

Sophie M. Lavoie is a member of the NB Media Co-op’s editorial board. The NB Media Co-op is a partner on the CEDAR project. This reporting has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Stations and Users (CACTUS).