Radioactivity and nuclear waste under scrutiny in Peskotomuhkati homeland [video]

Nuclear energy in New Brunswick was the focus of a recent public meeting in Fredericton, hosted by the NB Media Co-op. It took place at the Social Forum in Wolastokuk, a two-day event that brought together activists from across the province and beyond.

Nuclear energy is a live issue right now in New Brunswick, as NB Power goes forward with its controversial plans to build a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor at Point Lepreau. New Brunswick is the only province outside of Ontario that operates a nuclear power reactor, the aging Point Lepreau station.

At the social forum, Gordon Edwards, president and co-founder of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsiblity, outlined the history of nuclear energy and spoke about its risks.

Hugh Akagi, chief of the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, also led a discussion as part of the session. The community has members in New Brunswick and in Maine, and for decades, has pushed for official recognition from the Government of Canada.

The First Nation never consented to the existing reactor at Point Lepreau, opposes more nuclear reactors on their territory, and has expressed grave concerns about radioactive waste.

The full presentation is brought to you by the NB Media Co-op in partnership with the CEDAR Project. This reporting has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada via the Local Journalism Initiative.