The interests, concerns and counsel of Indigenous peoples have been an integral part of the NWMO's work from the very beginning. It began as we studied options for the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel, and it has continued throughout the implementation of all aspects of Canada's plan.

The NWMO is reaching out to the chiefs who signed the letter and offering to meet with them to share information and answer their questions.

Protecting people and the environment is the NWMO’s top priority. In fact, it’s the very purpose of our existence. Our job is to move used nuclear fuel from its temporary storage above ground to permanent storage roughly 700 metres underground, protected by a multiple-barrier system enclosed in rock that has been disconnected from surface water for millions of years.

The transportation of used nuclear fuel to the deep geological repository is expected to start in the 2040s and will take 50 years to complete.

Canadian and international transportation regulations for radioactive materials have been in existence for more than 60 years, and approximately one million packages of nuclear substances are transported in Canada every year. They move by land, air and sea, under strict regulations that ensure they are safe.

Other countries have shipped 20,000 shipments of used nuclear fuel worldwide over the past 50 years by road, rail and water. There have been zero serious injuries, health effects or environmental consequences related to radiation.

The NWMO welcomes criticism and is always open to addressing concerns and answering questions from any group or individual, and we are committed to collaborating with all interested and potentially affected individuals and communities.