WABIGOON LAKE — Members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation have an answer to the question of whether they're willing to continue working with the proponents of an underground facility for nuclear waste — and the answer is yes.
A news release Monday morning from the Treaty Three community said members decided in a referendum this month to "progress into a site characterization process" regarding the proposed deep geological repository that could be constructed east of Wabigoon Lake on the First Nation's traditional territory.
The yes vote "reflects the Nation’s commitment to thoroughly explore the project’s feasibility through a rigorous regulatory process" true to Anishinaabe values, according to the news release.
A statement from Wabigoon Lake council said the decision is "just the beginning of a long process" and the First Nation "is committed to prioritizing safety and environmental protection throughout this process."
Wabigoon Lake's decision follows the Township of Ignace's decision in July to proceed as a possible host municipality for the repository for spent fuel from Canada's nuclear power plants.
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is considering two locations for the repository: one between Ignace and Wabigoon Lake, and one in southwestern Ontario near Lake Huron.
