Concerns and Opposition Regarding the Proposed DGR and Impacts to Indigenous Lands and Waters

Rainy River First Nations is opposed to the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project. The long-term storage of used nuclear fuel presents unacceptable risks to our lands, waters, Treaty rights, and future generations, particularly given the project’s 160-year lifespan and the potential for impacts extending far beyond that timeframe. We remain deeply concerned about groundwater and surface water protection, long-term liability, emergency response capacity, and the adequacy of safeguards should failures occur decades or generations from now. Rainy River First Nations does not support a project that poses irreversible environmental and cultural risks and undermines our responsibility to protect the land and water for those yet to come.

We would like the following questions answered...

• What potential environmental risks does the DGR pose to our lands, water systems, and downstream communities over the short and long term?

• How will water protection and monitoring be ensured for the full 160-year life of the project and beyond?

• What are the emergency response plans in the event of leakage, transportation accidents, or system failure?

• How will Indigenous rights, Treaty rights, and traditional land use be protected and meaningfully incorporated into project decisions?

• What long-term liability exists, and who is responsible if issues arise decades or generations from now?

• What benefits, compensation, or revenue-sharing mechanisms are proposed for affected Indigenous communities beyond the host nations?

• How will ongoing consultation and consent be maintained over the life of the project—not just at the approval stage?

• What independent oversight will exist to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability?