We would like to share another significant win for the Kebaowek First Nation as the federal court recognized the approved plans for a Near-Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) at Chalk River as a threat to several key species at-risk, including two species of endangered bats and the Blanding's Turtle.
This ruling will require the Environment Minister to reconsider the species-at-risk permit issued by the government and determine whether there are other viable locations that would have fewer impacts on wildlife. As a result, plans to move forward with the NSDF have been put on hold.
This ruling comes after a previous win for the Kebaowek First Nation in February 2025 in which the federal court recognized that the duty to provide free, prior and informed consent was not properly upheld by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The court ordered CSNC and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to resume consultation with Kebaowek First Nation to ensure that not only consent, but Indigenous laws, knowledge and processes, are integrated into the decision-making for the nuclear waste project.
These are a significant victories and we must all continue to work together to centre Indigenous leadership and protect our shared lands and waters.
Visit the links below for additional readings and resources on the NSDF site and the judicial reviews.
