Distinguished Merit Award: Breaking down Indigenous perceptions about the Whiteshell Laboratories

For breaking down Indigenous perceptions about the Whiteshell Laboratories.

Whiteshell Laboratories is situated on Treaty 1 and Treaty 3 territory. It is the traditional lands of several First Nations and part of the Homeland of the Red River Métis. CNL has been working hard to establish positive relationships with these Indigenous communities. Through major projects such as the WR-1 environmental assessment, the Whiteshell Land Use End State, and the Environmental Protection Program, it is clear that negative stigma exists in the minds of most Indigenous People.

The group of people nominated have collectively contributed to a substantial increase in positive relationships with these communities and important work that has reduced stigma about the site and the nuclear industry in general. Notable achievements by this team in FY 2023/2024 include numerous presentations about the safe decommissioning plans for WR-1 and tours through the facility, many Whiteshell site visits, the reconnection to the land through ceremony and prayer, collaboration on plans and documents for the restoration of the site, participation in the Nigaan Aki environmental monitoring program, and many community joint environmental monitoring activities on site.

The CNL team has invested in learning about Indigenous culture and have increased their knowledge on trauma-informed engagement. The work this team has done has translated into substantial reductions in psychosocial impacts felt by Indigenous people living near the site.