3-day rally against Chalk River Nuclear dump takes downtown Ottawa

Katharine Fletcher

Kebaowek First Nation organized a three-day demonstration outside the Westin Hotel in Ottawa (February 28-March 1) protesting the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) January 9 approval of an above-ground nuclear waste landfill at Chalk River, Ontario. The three-day protest coincided with the annual Canadian Nuclear Association conference, held at the hotel, where representatives of the Canadian nuclear industry met with federal and provincial energy ministers.

On March 1, more than 35 people peacefully demonstrated, waving anti-nuclear signs, while passing drivers honked in solidarity.

Kebaowek First Nation is one of ten Algonquin Anishinabe nations in Quebec who oppose the nuclear waste landfill. Lois Tepiscum drove with four friends from Temiskaming. “We’re here because the Kitchi Sibi watershed is connected. Animals travel, they will be affected by this dump.”

Kebaowek First Nation Verna Polson, former Grand Chief of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) said, “We must demonstrate to show the nuclear industry and the federal and provincial governments that we can’t permit this NSDF in our unceded territory. There’s no assurance it can last 300 years, particularly in the context of climate change. We already have earthquakes, tornadoes and forest fires: what else? It would be better to find an alternate place that doesn’t threaten the Kitchi Sibi watershed. Canadians in our region ought to start listening to what we are saying.”

Lucas Barbeau is from Kitigan Zibi. He explained, “Water is life. I’m here because I believe a line must be drawn somewhere.”

Kebaowek First Nation and three civil society groups have launched separate court challenges against the CNSC’s approval of the dump. The Kebaowek established a GoFundMe page where the public can help fund their legal actions at www.stopnuclearwaste.com.

Photo caption: Kebaowek sisters rally against nuclear waste landfill outside the Westin Hotel in Ottawa where the Canadian Nuclear Association conference was being held, February 28-March 1. 

Photo credit: Katharine Fletcher