Students and staff from Constance Lake First Nation in Northern Ontario visited our Toronto offices as part of their secondary school science program learning activities. The students attend the Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre.
Vanessa Proulx, school teacher, says everyone is looking forward to the learning opportunities ahead. “We are very excited to be taking part in this new learning experience with the NWMO. Engaging youth in projects that may affect their future is such an important aspect of growth and learning for all students. We are very fortunate to participate in this opportunity to learn more about environment sciences, nuclear waste management, and planning for a safe and healthy future.”
Highlights on the day included a workshop with Melissa Mayhew, Senior Environment Scientist, where the students learned about frog calls and tying rope knots along with information on the environmental characterization studies currently underway in potential siting areas.
Constance Lake First Nation is one of many Indigenous communities actively involved in collaboratively learning about Canada’s Plan for the safe long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Our organization is committed to interweaving Indigenous Knowledge with western science and creating constructive relationships built on respect with Indigenous communities.
Kevin Muloin, Site Engagement Associate, Indigenous Relations, works closely with Constance Lake, “We are excited to assist with the secondary school science program. The NWMO is also pleased to contribute funds to their high school class trip that included today’s opportunity to meet some of our staff and also hear about potential career opportunities that the Deep Geological Repository and associated facilities will bring to a host area.”
The NWMO’s is committed to interweaving Indigenous Knowledge with western science and creating constructive relationships built on respect with Indigenous communities and working towards a reconciliation policy as outlined here in our recent Reconciliation Statement.