Dissatisfaction with new agreement between Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has not gone away.
Under the agreement NWMO will fund up to $312,689 for the MKO 2015-16 work plan, including $91,000 for human resources and hiring a project manager.
On April 14, MKO sent out a job posting for a nuclear waste management education coordinator.
“This role is responsible for implementing educational programming, planning, preparing and integration of all work activities that will promote education and awareness and to foster positive dialogue in MKO First Nation communities,” the posting stated.
The coordinator role requirements include a degree from a recognized college or university with a major or minor in science and two to three years of educator experience.
Alberteen Spence, a member of a women’s group opposing nuclear waste storage, transportation and consultation, sent a letter to the MKO executive council on March 16.
“We declare the agreement signed between MKO and NWMO is dangerous to mother earth,” wrote Spence. “Therefore we oppose the MKO agreement. We implore the MKO executive to step up and cancel the MKO/NWMO agreement immediately.”
Spence went on to suggest the MKO executive demand that MKO Grand Chief David Harper resign immediately.
Manto Sipi Cree Nation (MSCN) also sent a letter of opposition to MKO chiefs on April 17.
MKO represents most northern Manitoba First Nations. NWMO is considering communities in Ontario for nuclear-waste storage, having crossed Creighton off the list last month.
