SON and Bruce Power announce project name for medical isotope collaboration
A name in Anishnaabemowin has been chosen for the medical isotope collaboration between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power. Along with the name, a logo has been created by Saugeen First Nation artist, Emily Kewageshig. More information about the medical isotope partnership, now named Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, can be found at the following links:
- Original post from March 2019: saugeenojibwaynation.ca/medical-isotopes
- Update from February 2020: saugeenojibwaynation.ca/membership-in-the-canadian-nuclear-isotope-council
- Partnership website: fightingcancertogether.ca
Read the press release below:
Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power announce project name for medical isotope collaboration
TIVERTON, ON – October 21, 2020 – The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and Bruce Power are excited to introduce a new project name and logo for their medical isotope partnership. The project name, “Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin” translates to “We are teaming up on the sickness.” The Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe or Anishinaabe language) name was developed through consultation with SON Knowledge Holder Polly Keeshig-Tobias and her collaboration with other SON Community knowledge holders and elders.
SON and Bruce Power entered into a collaboration 
agreement in 2019 to explore ways of jointly marketing new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer, while also working together to create new economic opportunities within the SON territory. The partnership will use the made-in-Ontario Isotope Production System installed into Bruce Power’s nuclear reactors to produce Lutetium-177 and other isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in hospitals around the world.
“The SON-Bruce Power partnership is, at its heart, about working together to fight cancer,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s President and CEO. “The project name and logo embody the spirit of our partnership, and the opportunity for us to have a positive impact on those impacted by cancer.
“We are proud of the innovative work our partnership is doing in finding solutions to provide the global health care community with access to isotopes that are critical to a modern health-care system and in the fight against cancer. Together, we are teaming up to fight the sickness.”
Medical isotopes are increasingly being used in innovative applications as targeted therapies in the treatment of cancers, as well as a tool in the sterilization of medical equipment to help protect front line health-care workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging investments being made at the Bruce Power site, the nuclear industry in Ontario will help ensure a steady supply of these essential health-care tools for decades to come.
“As we move into the next phase of our partnership, it is important that we keep our goals for this project top of mind,” said Chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. “Many members of our community have been impacted by cancer in some way.
“Working together with Bruce Power, SON is playing a leadership role in the fight against cancer while at the same time building economic opportunities for our territory, for our people and our communities.”
The project logo was created by artist Emily Kewageshig, a member of SON. The logo represents a diversity of people working together towards healing, and is surrounded by a globe to capture the role that medical isotopes play in the global fight against cancer.
“Through our partnership, the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin project will deliver benefits well outside the borders of our local community,” said Chief Lester Anoquot, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. “The advancement of this critical project sends a strong message across Canada and the world that we are committed to doing our part in the fight against cancer.”
The work to install the Isotope Production System is a part of the ongoing Life-Extension Program at the Bruce Power site, which remains on time and on budget. Installation of the system is planned for late 2021, with isotope production beginning in 2022 following regulatory approvals. The system will provide large-scale access to isotopes through the life of the Bruce Power site.
You can learn more about Bruce Power’s partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation at https://www.fightingcancertogether.ca/.
You can learn more about how Bruce Power is helping to keep hospitals safe, and also diagnosing and treating cancer by going to www.brucepower.com/isotopes-and-medical-innovation/.
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
