Natural Resources Canada says Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) was invited to participate in the development of Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy, responding to criticism that SON was not properly involved before the plan was released.
The federal strategy, announced June 22, 2026 outlines plans to expand nuclear generating capacity, support new reactor construction, grow uranium and fuel opportunities, and advance long-term radioactive waste management.
It includes a target of enabling up to 10 new large-scale reactors in Canada, with two under construction by 2035 and five more planned or under development by 2040.
SON’s Joint Chiefs and Councils said earlier this month they were disappointed and frustrated by the lack of consultation, arguing the strategy contains proposals that could directly affect Saukiing Anishnaabekiing, also known as SON Territory.
In an emailed response, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) said SON was invited to a March 25 virtual meeting of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Table.
"On March 9, 2026, NRCan officials invited SON to a March 25, 2026, virtual meeting of the NELT focused on gathering input to inform the Nuclear Energy Strategy," the department said.
NRCan said it contacted SON again April 2 and invited written feedback on a discussion document. The department also said the strategy was discussed during an April 27 meeting in Ottawa with SON’s chiefs and Nuclear Advisory Committee.
The federal department said other Indigenous organizations involved during the strategy’s development included CanArctic Inuit, Saa Dene Group of Companies, the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council, First Nations Power Authority, the Saskatchewan First Nation Centre of Excellence, and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
However, NRCan did not identify the nuclear companies, utilities, provinces, unions or other organizations that received advance briefings. It said it engaged a range of governments, industry groups, utilities, post-secondary institutions, and project proponents.
When asked whether its consultation records and meeting lists would be released, NRCan said they "are maintained for internal purposes only."
SON previously said it wrote to the prime minister before the strategy was released to raise concerns about the lack of early engagement.
"History cannot repeat itself," Chippewas of Nawash Ogimaa Kwe Veronica Smith said in SON’s July 8 statement, adding that SON Territory cannot be treated as an energy sacrifice zone.
SON says its territory already hosts Canada’s largest nuclear generating site and stores a significant amount of the country’s radioactive waste.
The First Nation has also pointed to the proposed Bruce C expansion at Bruce Power as an example of a project that could be affected by the federal government’s nuclear ambitions.
Chippewas of Saugeen Acting Chief Randall Kahgee said "SON’s consent is required" for new nuclear development affecting its territory.
NRCan said the strategy itself does not approve or predetermine whether Bruce C or any other individual nuclear project will proceed.
"The Nuclear Energy Strategy is a policy framework that sets out the Government of Canada’s vision for the future of the nuclear sector; it does not approve, authorize, or predetermine specific projects," the department said.
It added that Bruce C would remain subject to regulatory reviews and Indigenous consultation requirements.
The strategy calls for federal impact assessment and licensing reviews for nuclear projects to be completed within two years, while maintaining environmental standards and the Crown’s constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.
It also identifies Indigenous capacity-building, employment, and equity ownership in nuclear projects as priorities for future federal funding decisions.
NRCan said the strategy does not change Canada’s existing radioactive waste policies or approval processes.
"As with any future nuclear project, decisions related to nuclear waste management would continue to be considered through the appropriate legislative, regulatory, and consultation processes," the department said.
NRCan did not confirm whether a new meeting was scheduled following SON’s July 8 statement. It said officials continue to meet regularly with the SON Environment Office about nuclear energy and radioactive waste management and welcome further dialogue.
While Ottawa intends to support and finance nuclear expansion, NRCan said the final decision on whether to build new generating stations rests with provincial governments and their electricity utilities.
