What Is the Role of Traditional Knowledge in the Assessment?

Traditional Knowledge will play an important role in the assessment. Aboriginal peoples have a special relationship with the natural environment and have unique stewardship responsibilities that are part of this relationship. The knowledge that comes from this relationship with the land brings special understanding to the broad range of factors that should be considered, and the processes that should be used, in assessing benefits and effects to be managed. It also includes knowledge about developing and maintaining effective and meaningful relationships between generations and within and between communities.

The NWMO will look to Aboriginal communities in the area surrounding interested communities to work together in applying Traditional Knowledge to the site selection process. Work designed to help plan for the respectful inclusion of Traditional Knowledge in the planning and assessment of the suitability of a site will be important. The NWMO will seek to discuss with and provide support to affected Aboriginal communities for research and exploration of the interweaving of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge with the assessment process.