Agreement establishes a cooperative relationship between the MMF and CNL, and will facilitate ongoing engagement and collaboration in areas of shared interest
Pinawa, MB in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – August 9, 2023 – The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) are pleased to announce the signing of a five-year contribution agreement that establishes a cooperative relationship between the Red River Métis and Canada’s national nuclear laboratories. The agreement is the culmination of two years of discussions between the parties regarding the effects of decommissioning activities at the Whiteshell Laboratories site on the Red River Métis, including the Whiteshell Reactor #1 (WR-1) Decommissioning Project.
Designed to foster a more productive relationship, the agreement establishes a series of ongoing engagement activities to improve communications between the parties, including an annual leadership meeting, the creation of an MMF liaison position, and Red River Métis participation in an Indigenous Advisory Committee. Other activities include the development of a communications protocol for reportable events, the development of plain language materials on CNL activities, and support to enable MMF participation in environmental monitoring and economic activities at the Whiteshell site.
In addition to these focus areas, the agreement will support the establishment of a new Harvester Sample Collection Program. Led by the MMF, the new program will allow the nation to monitor and steward a key portion of the Red River Métis Homeland near the Whiteshell site, and to improve understanding of the Whiteshell site and operations within the MMF community.
“The MMF has worked hard to negotiate this agreement, while updating our Citizens through community consultations and performing Traditional Knowledge and Land Use and Occupancy Studies,” said MMF Energy and Infrastructure Minister, Jack Park. “We are excited to finally be signing this agreement with CNL, which will continue to protect our Red River Métis land use and Harvesting rights, while creating opportunities for our Citizens to be involved through the MMF’s Harvester Sample Collection Program.”
“CNL is pleased and honoured to enter into this agreement with the Manitoba Métis Federation, and we look forward to working with them over the next five years through a positive and productive relationship,” commented Joe McBrearty, CNL President & CEO. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to respecting and valuing the rights of the Red River Métis. Working together, we will not only strive to restore the Whiteshell Laboratories site to its proper state, but also to cultivate a more sound and sustainable future for all.”
Located in Pinawa, Manitoba, the Whiteshell Laboratories was established in 1963 by AECL as a nuclear research laboratory. In 1998, the Government of Canada announced the closure of the site, and decommissioning and environmental remediation activities have been underway since then, a process which is being accelerated under the management of CNL on behalf of AECL.
About CNL
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and working under the direction of AECL, CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.
By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector, and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.
To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.
About the Red River Métis
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the historic Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous People, are Canada’s Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba. To learn more about the MMF, please visit www.mmf.mb.ca
MMF Contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
[email protected]
CNL Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
