Reconciliation
We are committed to co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being for Indigenous peoples.
The NWMO is on a continuous learning pathway towards Reconciliation. As part of our commitment to Reconciliation, we recognize both the historic and current injustices Indigenous communities have endured. We continue to learn as an organization remaining involved in collaboration and discussion with Indigenous communities on the work of Reconciliation.
We know that working with Indigenous peoples, learning from Indigenous Knowledge and applying learnings to our work are critical to successfully implementing Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
Land acknowledgement
Watch now
Our Reconciliation journey
The NWMO is committed to contribute to Reconciliation in all our work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. Our Reconciliation journey highlights our approach.
2023
- Continued leveraging the Reconciliation assessment tool to review NWMO policies
- Rolled out Reconciliation tool kit to complement existing learning sessions
- Held the sixth annual Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science workshop
- Released Water Statement
2022
- Enhanced Reconciliation Training Program to include learning specific to treaties and Métis peoples
- Publicly released the first annual Reconciliation Report
- Applied the Reconciliation assessment tool to governance as part of our Integrated Management System transformation
- Expanded Reconciliation Training Program to communities and external partners
2021
- Continued to enhance Reconciliation Training Program to include unconscious bias training
- Included Indigenous Knowledge in water protection plans
- Applied the Reconciliation assessment tool to regional engagement strategies
- Embedded Reconciliation within corporate culture
2020
- Enhanced policies and procedures to address Reconciliation
- Enhanced procurement program to include an Indigenous strategy
- Assessed corporate Reconciliation baseline and developed a Reconciliation measurement matrix
2019
- Published Reconciliation Policy
- Developed and delivered Reconciliation Training Program
- Developed a corporate Reconciliation baseline assessment tool
- Enhanced sponsorships and donations program to include a focus on Reconciliation
- Continued to communicate the NWMO's Reconciliation program with communities involved in the site selection process
- Began assessment of NWMO policies and procedures against Reconciliation assessment tool
2018
- Provided cultural awareness training to 85 per cent of NWMO staff
- Finalized Reconciliation Statement through Indigenous ceremony
2017
- Successfully concluded consultation with six First Nation and Métis communities on drilling the NWMO’s first borehole
2016
- Appointed Indigenous representation to the NWMO Executive Committee
- Canada officially removed its objector status to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Became one of the first organizations in North America to establish an Indigenous Knowledge Policy
- Council of Elders and Youth issued the Declaration of the Keepers of the Land
2015
- Federal government made promise to adopt the UNDRIP
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report, including 92 calls to action
2014
- Mandated cultural awareness training for contractors working on the NWMO’s behalf
2013
- Council of Elders decided to add youth perspective to Council
- Stated that the project will only proceed with the involvement of the interested community, First Nation and Métis communities in the area, and surrounding communities
2012
- Elders Forum restructured and renamed as Council of Elders
2009
- Launched Aboriginal Policy to guide meaningful collaboration with Indigenous peoples
2007
- Appointed Indigenous representation to the NWMO Board of Directors
2005
- Established the Elders Forum, an independent advisory body made up of Indigenous Elders, to advise on aligning our work with Indigenous Knowledge and establishing meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities
2003
- Held first workshop on traditional knowledge in Saskatoon, Sask.
2002-05
- Engaged in dialogue with Indigenous groups that revealed the importance of aligning our work with traditional knowledge and receiving advice from Indigenous Elders
2002
- Was created in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act
- Appointed Indigenous representation to the NWMO Advisory Council
Reconciliation report
We reached an important milestone in our journey toward Reconciliation in 2022 when we published our first Reconciliation report. It provides an evaluation of our Reconciliation Policy’s impacts since its formalization in 2019. Activities tracked included mandatory staff Reconciliation training and continuous learning opportunities, informal training opportunities, staff support systems and community-driven work plans.
Reconciliation Policy
On Oct. 17, 2019, through ceremony, the NWMO issued a Reconciliation Policy that sets out how the organization will contribute to Reconciliation. Under the policy, the NWMO commits to respectful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities, providing cultural awareness and Reconciliation training to staff and contractors, and annually publishing a Reconciliation implementation plan.
Reconciliation Statement
On July 18, 2018, the NWMO issued a Reconciliation Statement which reads as follows:
In the context of Reconciliation, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recognizes historical wrongs in Canada’s past and the need to create a better future by addressing the challenges of today. The Council of Elders and Youth speaks of this journey as a new era for humanity — a time of Reconciliation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples.
The NWMO is committed to contribute to Reconciliation in all our work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. In addition, the NWMO will establish a Reconciliation policy with an implementation strategy that will be measured annually and publicly reported to contribute to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
Aligning with Indigenous Knowledge
