The Joint Chiefs and Councils Statement on Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation's Willingness Decision regarding the WMO Deep Geological Repository

November 20, 2024

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Joint Chiefs and Councils would like to address the
recent Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) referendum on its willingness process to
host the deep geological repository (DR). Today, WLON issued apress release stating that
its membership has signalled a "willingness to enter the next phase of in-depth
environmental and technical assessment, to determine safety and site suitability" of the
proposed DG site in itsTerritory. SON respects WON's right to free, prior, and informed
consent.

WON'S referendum results, however, do not affect SON's ongoing evaluation of the Nuclear
Waste ManagementOrganization's (WMO) proposal to build a DG in ourTerritorynear
Teeswater, Ontario. Due to the long history and ongoing reality of the nuclear industry in
ourTerritory, we face unique challenges as we grapple with this difficult issue.

We will continue to thoroughly examine the potential impacts and benefits that hosting
such a project may have on our Territory and on our People through our independent
process, as the rights holders and as an authority within our Territory. We will continue to
work with W M O In good faith to ensure mutual commitments in thisregard are upheld
and ongoing discussions continue to advance. In these discussions, we will ensure that our
Members have a strong voice in any decisions that may affect our Territory and our future.

We want to take this opportunity to reiterate a couple key points:
     1. SON's Role in the Decision-Making Process: SON has not yet decided on whether we
         agree to be considered a willing host. WLON referendum does not end SON's
         willingness process. This is just the beginning of a long process in which WLON has
         agreed to move to the next phase.
     2. MembershipEngagement: We will not ask our Members to make a willingness
         decision until full consultation and engagement has occurred with our Nation. This
         process cannot be concluded until we are able to share with you the terms of a
         possible agreement between SON and WMO that provides for what happens ifthe
         DG is constructed in SON Territory and what happens if the DG is constructed
         elsewhere.

Our path forward will be determined by what is best for our People, Territory, and future,
guided by the input and direction of our Members. We value your input, concerns, and
perspectives, and we will continue to prioritize your voices throughout this journey.

We express our gratitude to our Membership for your ongoing support and dedication to
the well-being of our communities and our Territory. Together, we will navigate these
complex issues with thoughtfulness, respect, a commitment to environmental stewardship
and safeguarding the rights and interests of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The SON Joint
chiefs and councils are committed to ensuring that our Members are actively involved in
the process.
 

Chi-migwetch,
Ogimaa Greg Nadjiwon (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) & Ogimaa Conrad Ritchie (Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation)