Statement on Wesleyville Announcement (January 15, 2025)
The Michi Saagiig First Nations of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island have had early conversations with the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to discuss the province’s proposed plans for new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site.
The First Nations communities believe that this project will be designed to provide advanced economic prosperity in the region. However, our focus is and always will be on the wellbeing of our communities and stewardship of our lands. There is an enormous amount of work to be done in order to ensure that the land, water and treaty rights will be protected. While it is very early in their process, the First Nations have had initial consultations with OPG and expect to have fulsome discussions with the province before coming to any conclusions about the proposed project at Wesleyville.
“Local area First Nations are looking forward to discussions as in the coming months”, said the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chief Kelly LaRocca. “It is of critical importance that our voices be heard throughout the planning process in order to address many outstanding issues that include consultation and Treaty rights protection, community safety, economic reconciliation, and environmental protection”.
“The communities are hopeful that this is the beginning of more focused and meaningful dialogue as to what are the province’s project phases, and what exactly they are proposing to put forward to First Nations community partners,” said Chief Simpson of Alderville First Nation.
“Of paramount importance is to protect land and water, mitigating our environmental concerns” highlights Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha FN. “Industry has taken up our treaty territory for far too long, with little benefit to the First Nations communities. Now is the time for change.”
