Whiteshell Laboratories
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge
Fostering Indigenous Partnerships
CNL recognizes that Indigenous knowledge and participation complements and improves the work that CNL is doing and helps build First Nations and Red River Métis understanding and confidence in the restoration of the site.
Historically, the relationships with Indigenous Nations were weak or non-existent and CNL is working hard to improve our relationship with First Nations and the Red River Métis.
For several years, CNL has invited people from Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation (SAFN), Black River and Hollow Water First Nations, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and citizens of the Red River Métis to join in environmental testing activities. We want to adapt the way we do things to best incorporate Indigenous knowledge and build trust when it comes to our role in protecting the environment.
Niigan Aki
At the end of 2022, SAFN, AECL and CNL launched the independent Sagkeeng environmental monitoring program, which SAFN has named “Niigan Aki,” meaning “Land First.”
This collaborative and rights-based environmental monitoring program is being done on and off the WL site, and is developed and administered by the SAFN with resources and support provided by AECL and CNL. The program was established to empower Sagkeeng’s ability to monitor and steward its territory and improve understanding of the Whiteshell site and operations, which is located in the Sagkeeng’s unceded traditional territory.