Saugeen Ojibway Nation is the First Indigenous Community to join the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) to advance reconciliation in a way that engages a First Nations community in securing critical infrastructure key to Canada's economic and strategic strength in the isotope sector.
The CNIC is a coalition of science, health care and nuclear sector organizations to ensure Canada remains a world leader in the production of life-saving isotopes.
CNIC Chair James Scongack says the partnership with SON is tremendously important.
“People in Canada and around the world rely on the continuous availability of medical isotopes. For more than 60 years, Canada has been a leader globally in the research, development and production of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.”
Greg Nadjiwon, Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation says, “any of our community members have been impacted by cancer in some way, and I believe that working with the CNIC on the next generation of life-saving isotopes in the SON Territory is an opportunity for us to have a positive impact on the people and families touched by cancer.”
Lester Anoquot, Chief of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation says the partnership establishes something lasting and sustainable for the community “while contributing broadly to Canada's economy and our role as a global supplier of isotopes.”
Saugeen Ojibway Nation recently announced an agreement with Bruce Power to jointly market new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together on creating new economic opportunities within the SON Territory by establishing new isotope infrastructure.