Engaging youth A report on NWMO youth engagement activities

DECEMBER 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENGAGING YOUTH : AN OVERVIEW ...... 2

LEARNING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ...... 4 Learn More Program and learning activities ...... 4 Learning through school and group presentations ...... 4 Learning through tours ...... 8 Learning at community events ...... 9 Youth participation in ’s plan ...... 12

INDIGENOUS YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ...... 13 Council of Elders and Youth ...... 13 Learn More agreements ...... 16

EARLY INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS PROGRAM ...... 17 Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education (STEM) ...... 20

SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS PROGRAM ...... 23 Local and regional initiatives ...... 24 Youth Science Programs ...... 28 Scientists in School ...... 29 Science North ...... 30 SHAD ...... 30 Reconciliation ...... 31 Gord Downie & Chanie Fund Legacy Schools Program ...... 31 Right to Play – Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth program ...... 31

YOUTH OUTREACH IN COLLABORATION WITH POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS . . . . 32 NWMO Research Program ...... 33 Graduate students and NWMO research ...... 34 Research Fund ...... 34 University presentations ...... 34

THE NWMO ON SOCIAL MEDIA ...... 36

APPENDIX: 2019 SCORECARD ...... 36

TABLES TABLE 1: 2019 SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES ...... 5 TABLE 2: 2019 COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH NWMO STAFF PARTICIPATION ...... 10 TABLE 3: 2019 EARLY INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS ...... 18 TABLE 4: 2019 SKILLS OPPORTUNITIES SHOWCASE EVENTS ...... 21 TABLE 5: 2019 LOCAL YOUTH SPONSORSHIPS BY SITING AREA ...... 25 TABLE 6: SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOL WORKSHOPS BY SCHOOL YEAR ...... 28 TABLE 7: COMMUNITIES REACHED THROUGH SCIENCE NORTH ...... 31 TABLE 8: 2019 SHAD PRESENTATIONS ...... 31 TABLE 9: 2019 UNIVERSITY PRESENTATIONS AND EVENTS ...... 35

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 1 ENGAGING YOUTH : AN OVERVIEW

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for implementing Adaptive Phased Management (APM), Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term care of used nuclear fuel . The plan includes a siting process to identify a willing host community and supportive partnerships for the implementation of a deep geological repository to safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel, essentially indefinitely . APM is a multi-generational project spanning many decades . Given this, the NWMO and siting area communities include youth-oriented outreach as a priority in engagement, learning and capacity building . Each year, the NWMO works collaboratively with siting area communities to plan and implement youth-focused activities to advance three strategic goals:

Building youth awareness of the Building youth understanding Building youth capacity for future NWMO and APM project in siting and confidence in the project in decision-making regarding APM area communities; siting area communities; and in siting area communities and more broadly .

Students from Ripley Huron Community School visited the NWMO’s proof test facility in Oakville .

2 Nuclear Waste Management Organization NWMO President and CEO Laurie Swami takes part in a Scientist in Schools workshop at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Mildmay .

Year-over-year, youth initiatives are realized through a number of NWMO programs summarized here:

• Learn More resource program and agreements • Sponsorships and donations provides support for provide communities with resources to participate youth through two programs . The local and regional in learning about the project, and include dedicated program supports community well-being initiatives in youth support . NWMO siting areas and the corporate sponsorship program supports broader initiatives focussed on • Student employment and co-op work terms youth education in science, technology, engineering provide direct involvement in the APM project both and math (STEM), Reconciliation and environmental in and in potential siting communities . sustainability .

• Youth participation on the Council of Elders and • The Early Investments in Education and Skills Youth and the Community Liaison Committees (EIES) program supports training, education, (CLCs) brings perspective and contributions to APM and other capacity-building activities for both policies and processes . youth and community members . This year for the first time, potential siting municipalities received • Post-secondary institutional collaboration applications and directly administered funding to fosters joint research, science education and career local organizations . pathways .

The 2019 Youth Engagement Report provides an overview of municipal and Indigenous youth outreach work undertaken in five siting communities and areas, as well through broader NWMO programs and initiatives . Collectively, these initiatives reached over 18,000 youth in 2019 . The accompanying 2019 youth engagement scorecard provides further insight into the extent of youth engagement and outreach achieved .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 3 LEARNING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

The NWMO Learn More Resource Program provides funding for communities in the site selection process so that they are not burdened with the costs associated with learning about Canada’s Plan . Youth engagement activities enabled through the NWMO’s Learn More Resources Program are designed to share information and to facilitate dialogue and learning about the APM project . Each year, the NWMO delivers a number of youth-focused school and community-based presentations, activities, workshops, and tours . As the project continues to evolve, the NWMO creates new and innovative ways to connect with youth . For example, in 2019 we launched the NWMO Mobile Learn More Centre, new displays at the Oakville proof test facility and issued new material such as the Super Barrier Colouring Sheet . For the first time, the NWMO held community workshops to support the design of the environmental baseline sampling program which included several youth focused meetings .

LEARN MORE PROGRAM AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Learning through school and group presentations

Often, NWMO staff are invited to present to school and youth groups in potential siting communities and areas . In addition to learning about the APM project, young people learn about related underlying science and technology of the project . NWMO staff have devised new learning materials to augment school curriculum . NWMO staff are also called upon to provide insight into specific topics of interest at the request of youth groups . In 2019, we engaged over 700 students in potential siting area communities through school-based and group presentations . Presentations were delivered to elementary and high schools, in workshops, and through visits to the NWMO Learn More Centres (LMC) . Table 1 provides a list of 2019 school-based and group engagement activities .

4 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 1: 2019 SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES

Huron-Kinloss and • January 28 – Lucknow Central Public School: The NWMO in-class geology workshop with the South Bruce and Grade 3 and 4 students area • April 8 - Sacred Heart Mildmay Elementary School: The NWMO CEO class visit during a Scientists in School workshop • June 17 - Bruce Power Visitors Centre summer tour guides, Tiverton: The NWMO presentation to summer students responsible for leading bus tours • June 19 – F .E . Madill High School, Wingham: NWMO staff delivered three Learn More Presentations to geography classes • November 13 – Aamjiwnaang First Nation: NWMO staff delivered Learn More Presentation to youth group about the APM project • December 6 – Ripley Huron Community School: Skills Opportunities Showcase Trailer 2 0. launch with NWMO staff

Hornepayne and • May 14 – Hornepayne High School: The NWMO presentation to science class and • May 16 – Manitouwadge High School: The NWMO presentation to science class area • May 27 - Hornepayne Elementary School: Visit to the NWMO Learn More Centre during school trip to Toronto • June 18 – Manitouwadge school groups: Visited Open House and the NWMO displays at the Community Centre Auditorium • June 20 – Hornepayne school groups: visited Open House and the NWMO displays at Royal Legion • July 9 - Constance Lake First Nation, Youth Gathering, Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre: The NWMO staffed a booth and shared project information

Ignace and • September 26 – École Immaculée-Conception: Students visited an NWMO Open House with Wabigoon Lake information about project and borehole work Ojibway Nation • October 8 – Teens in Motion Career Chat: The NWMO presented on project economics, employment and project timelines • October 18 - School Grades 11 and 12 English Class: Visited the NWMO Learn More Centre to learn about the APM project

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 5 The NWMO’s Mobile Learn More Centre exhibits .

Mobile Learn More Centre In July 2019, the NWMO rolled out its Mobile Learn More Centre . With a focus on telling the APM story visually, many of the exhibits are designed to engage young people and include 3D models, video and photo displays, and interactive displays . Young people were especially interested in the model fuel bundle and video displays to learn about how a deep geological repository will safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come . In 2019, the Mobile Learn More Centre hosted communities and area residents, youth and school groups at the following events:

July August 20 - Manitouwadge Annual ATV Jamboree 1 - Ignace Open Office 22 - Hearst 8 - South Bruce CLC Meeting 23 - Constance Lake First Nation 23 - Huron-Kinloss Symposium 24 - Hornepayne Community BBQ 23-25 - Teeswater Fall Fair 26-27 - Ignace Annual Men’s Golf Tournament 29 - Eagle Lake First Nation Event September 29 - Dyment Event 2 - Wabigoon Village Community BBQ 30 - Dryden Event 7 - Mildmay Fair 21 - Lucknow Fall Fair 26 - South Bruce Science Night 27-28 - Ripley Fall Fair

6 Nuclear Waste Management Organization Environmental baseline monitoring workshops NWMO environmental scientists launched a series of community workshops in to support the design of the environmental baseline sampling program . Community members and knowledge holders provided input for consideration in the program’s design . In the first workshop, participants shared information about flora and fauna to include in future environmental studies and contributed insight on how to develop confidence in the program’s results . In a follow-up workshop, community members provided input on specific program design elements and monitoring locations . Participants also identified gaps in the current draft design . We will expand this work in the future and begin to involve additional siting area communities . The workshops in which youth participated included:

• January 15 – Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Environmental Community Workshop

• February 13 – Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Environmental Community workshop

• March 18 – Ignace High School Environmental Community Workshop

• September 25 – Ignace High School Environmental Community Workshop

• October 8 – Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Environmental Community Workshop Class research project • November 14 – Constance Lake First Nation, Environmental Community Participation in environmental workshops sparked Workshop discussion among Ignace High School students about the APM project and prompted the class • November 12 – Long Lake 58 First Nation, teacher to develop a unique assignment . Students Environmental Community were asked to conduct their own research and Workshop write an opinion essay focusing on the impacts that the project may have on the community . Students undertook independent research online and visited the NWMO Learn More Centre, where they had a chance to sit down with engagement staff to ask questions and build their knowledge about key elements of the project . Areas of interest for student papers related to topics such as environmental impacts, economics, transportation, tourism, and population changes .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 7 Learning through tours

Learn More Funding includes opportunities for travel in Ontario to learn about the project . This includes visits to the NWMO’s Oakville proof test facility and Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) interim storage facilities . At the NWMO’s Oakville proof test facility, community and youth groups learn about the engineered barriers, placement technologies, and plans for a safe and secure transportation system . This year, the NWMO installed new information boards, videos and sample materials at the facility to support guided tours . The 2019 youth-inclusive facility tours included:

• March 13 – Seine River First Nation

• April 26 - Ripley Huron Community School, Huron-Kinloss

• May 6 - Constance Lake First Nation, Mamawatawa Holistic Education Centre

• May 8 - École Immaculée Conception, Ignace

• June 13 - Our Lady of Lords Catholic School, Manitouwadge

• July 24 – Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation

• August 28 – Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation

The NWMO also organizes tours of OPG interim storage facilities to provide a first-hand experience of how used nuclear fuel is currently stored at the Bruce, Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Power Generating Stations . These site visits demonstrate to visitors the high safety standards in the nuclear industry . Tours involving youth in 2019 included:

• August 27 – Lac des Mille Lacs

8 Nuclear Waste Management Organization Safety is the top priority in implementing Canada’s Plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel! The Fuel Pellet 1 I am made from uranium dioxide powder. MULTIPLE-BARRIER SYSTEM My super power is being highly durable. MULTIPLE-BARRIER SYSTEM I do not dissolve in water and have a high resistance to wear and high temperatures! I am highly radioactive, but water can shield my SUPER BARRIERS radioactivity!

NWMO’s Multiple-Barrier System is a team of super barriers that work together The Fuel Bundle 2 to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel from people and the environment! I am made of zircaloy. My super power is the ability for corrosion resistance and stability over a wide range of radiation and temperature exposures. I hold and protect ceramic pellets of uranium oxide.

the GEOSPHERE The Used Fuel Container 3 I am made of carbon steel and have a copper coating. My super power is that I have the mechanical strength to withstand the pressure of the overlying rock and three kilometer thick glaciers during a future ice age. I am engineered to remain intact while isolating and the BENTONITE protecting up to 48 fuel bundles of used nuclear fuel at CLAY one time.

The Bentonite Clay 4 I am formed from volcanic ash. I am a powerful barrier to water flow. My super power is that I expand when exposed to water and make a great sealing material. theFUEL bundle theUSED FUEL I can be transformed into a buffer box to hold the used CONTAINER nuclear fuel containers inside the deep geological 5 repository. 4 The Geosphere 5 I am the natural barrier of rock and the final barrier in the Multiple-Barrier System. I am made of sedimentary or crystalline rock 2 3 formations. My super power is that I protect the repository from theFUEL disruptive natural events, water flow and human pELLET intrusion.

1

Learning at community events

Through a range of locally organized events and NWMO activities, young people have the opportunity to learn about the NWMO .

Multiple-Barrier System – super barriers colouring sheet Ignace hosts an annual festival for children and their families to provide a fun-filled day of games, crafts, activities and booths related to a specific theme . This year’s Kids Fest was held on August 10, 2019 with the theme “I am a Superhero” . NWMO staff took on the challenge to provide a booth and activity related to the theme . The NWMO created a “Super Multiple-Barrier System Team” colouring sheet to showcase the NWMO’s commitment to safety as the top priority in implementing Canada’s Plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel . Outfitted with masks and shields, the superheroes -- The Fuel Pellet, The Fuel Bundle, The Used Fuel Container, The Bentonite Clay and The Geosphere -- set out on a mission to teach children how they work together to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel from people and the environment . Each “Super Multiple-Barrier System Team” member describes how they are made, their “superpower,” and what protective role they play in the used nuclear fuel project . The educational colouring sheet was available for children at the Ignace Learn More Centre and at community events . Table 2, on the following page, presents an illustrative list of the NWMO’s youth and family outreach through local and regional events .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 9 TABLE 2: 2019 COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH NWMO STAFF PARTICIPATION

Ignace • March 7 and 12 - Family Movie Night, Ignace Learn More Centre • March 14 – Gaming Night, Ignace Learn More Centre: For youth aged 13-19 • April 4 - Open Office, Ignace Learn More Centre: NMWO staff updated community members and youth about the project • June 1 - Harvest Dinner, Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council: NWMO staff discussed the project with Métis youth • July 2 - Learn More Presentation, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation: Included representation from local youth MNRF Rangers attended presentation • July 17-18 – Learning and Sharing Gathering, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation: Youth invited from Treaty #3 to learn about the NWMO • July 25, 2019 – Dryden Days of Summer, Dryden Memorial Arena: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • August 1 - Open Office Community Event and Community BBQ, Ignace Learn More Centre: Community members and youth learned about the NWMO and borehole work • August 2, 2019 – Going Green Youth Golf Event, Ignace: Youth talked with staff about the NWMO • August 7 – Gaming Night, Ignace Learn More Centre: For youth aged 13-19 • August 10 – Kids Fest, Ignace: The NWMO booth engaged youth featuring the new “Multiple Barrier System – Supper Barriers” colouring sheet • August 22-24 - Dryden Fall Fair, Dryden Fairgrounds: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • October 8 – Teens in Motion Career Chat, Ignace: The NWMO presentation on project economics and project timelines • November 14 - Indigenous Puppet Show, Ignace Learn More Centre: Puppet show focused on Indigenous Peoples and culture

10 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 2: 2019 COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH NWMO STAFF PARTICIPATION

Huron-Kinloss and • February 1 - Family PA Day Skate, Ripley and Lucknow: Families and youth visited the NWMO South Bruce and booth area • February 1 - Family PA Day Skates in Teeswater and Mildmay: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • March 12 - Family March Break Skate, Teeswater: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • April 11-13 – Belmore Maple Syrup Festival, Belmore Community Centre: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • June 1 – Harvest Dinner, Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council: Discussions with Métis youth • June 8 – Mildmay in Motion, Mildmay: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • June 22 – Lucknow Strawberry Festival, Lucknow: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • June 23 – National Indigenous Peoples Weekend Celebration, Métis Nation of Ontario, Moon River Métis Council: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • June 23 – Métis Days Event, Métis Nation of Ontario, Georgian Bay Métis Council: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • July 20 - Annual Fish fry, Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • August 24-25 – Teeswater Culross Rural Fair, Teeswater Fair Grounds: Families and youth visited the NWMO Mobile Learn More Centre • September 7 – Mildmay Carrick Fall Fair, Mildmay Carrick Complex and Fair Grounds: Families and youth visited the NWMO Mobile Learn More Centre • September 21 – Lucknow Fall Fair, Lucknow Arena: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth • September 26 – South Bruce Family Science Night, Mildmay-Carrick Recreation Complex: Families and youth visited the NWMO displays and Mobile Learn More Centre • September 27-28 – Ripley Fall Fair, Ripley Fairgrounds: Families and youth visited the Mobile Learn More Centre • October 22 – Nawash Student and Community Career Fair, elementary school: Students participated in the Skills Opportunities Showcase Trailer 2 .0 • November 19 – Build A Dream event, Port Elgin: Students visited the NWMO booth • November 19 – Huron-Kinloss Family Science Night, Ripley-Huron Community School: Families and youth visited the NWMO booth

Hornepayne and • June 18 - Hornepayne Open House, Royal Canadian Legion: School groups visited the NWMO Manitouwadge and displays area • June 20 – Manitouwadge Open House, Community Centre Auditorium: School groups visited the NWMO displays • July 9 – Youth Gathering, Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre, Constance Lake First Nation: Youth visited the NWMO booth

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 11 YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN CANADA’S PLAN

Young people contribute to project work in different ways . This includes youth members of Community Liaison Committees (CLCs), in siting area municipalities, summer positions in the community as well as co-op placements in the NWMO’s Toronto offices . Each year, the contributions and perspectives that students bring to their roles support APM learning, planning and technical work . CLCs are made up of community members who provide advice and support to their community to learn more about APM . Established by municipal council, each CLC makes funding requests for youth engagement from the programs identified in this report . Each year, a CLC reserves up to two places for youth to attend and contribute to CLC deliberations . In 2019, two young people in South Bruce filled these positions, and one in Ignace . In Ignace, one high school and one university student worked out of the Learn More Centre for several months during the summer . Students assisted with receiving members of the public visiting the Learn More Centre and Open Houses, as well as staffing booths and engaging youth through games and activities at community events . In the North of Superior Region, an Indigenous community filled a short-term Youth Liaison position and supported the NWMO youth outreach in the community . In recent years, the student program has grown as departments develop opportunities for students to gain experience on challenging material related to their field of study . Their contributions to APM will be part of the project moving forward, and wherever their path takes them, they will have an increased understanding of Canada’s plan to safely store used nuclear fuel . In Toronto, eight summer, co-op and short-term placement students from several Canadian universities worked across the organization in support of used fuel container research and design, project controls, safety and technical research, geoscience, supply chain, communications and risk management .

12 Nuclear Waste Management Organization INDIGENOUS YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

COUNCIL OF ELDERS AND YOUTH

The NWMO Council of Elders and Youth (Council) is an advisory body that provides counsel on the application of Indigenous Knowledge in the implementation of APM, and more recently, on the NWMO’s approach to Reconciliation . Indigenous youth continue to be directly involved in these areas through participation in the Council . The Council plays a crucial role in helping to build and strengthen relations with First Nation and Métis communities in the siting process .

The NWMO Council of Elders and Youth .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 13 Reconciliation Policy The Council welcomed seven youth members in April 2014 . Since that time, youth members have worked to encourage young people to learn, voice their opinions in the context of the project, and participate in ceremonies associated with the meetings . Youth members participated in Council meetings to provide the NWMO with guidance in the development of the Reconciliation Statement (2018) and the Reconciliation Policy (2019), in which the NWMO identifies how we will contribute to Reconciliation in all our work . Youth members contributed to the ceremony to formalize the Reconciliation Policy in creating a Sacred Bundle, making individual offerings, and performing traditional drumming . Norman Stagg, youth member of the Council, made the following statement during the Reconciliation ceremony:

“Today is a sacred day for everyone around the room with the creation of this bundle, and I have the honour of offering up one of the sacred plants to our people of the cedar. Cedar is one of the four plants that our people use in many sacred ways. During a cleansing time our people use this. And with the creation of the bundle is a sacred time in our journey forward together as we’re paving the way in the industry with the guidance of the Elders and the drive of Laurie and her team at the NWMO. This plant is used in many ways as a medicine for our people and to be offering it to this bundle is very sacred to me as an individual.”

Norman Stagg of Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba and youth Council member makes an offering during an Indigenous ceremony to formalize the Reconciliation Policy

More information about the NWMO’s Reconciliation Policy can be found at: https://www .nwmo .ca/~/media/ Site/Files/PDFs/2019/10/17/14/55/Reconciliation-Policy-2019 .ashx?la=en Since 2015, youth members serve as a co-chair in each Council meeting . In 2019, Council meetings were held on:

• April 16-18, Orillia, ON

• July 10-12, King City, ON

• October 16-18, King City, ON – joint meeting with the NWMO Board of Directors

14 Nuclear Waste Management Organization Members of the NWMO Council of Elders and Youth opened the workshop bringing together scientists and Indigenous Knowledge keepers .

Reconciliation training Reconciliation Canada, an Indigenous-led charitable organization, provided day-long workshops in June to NWMO staff as part of the organization’s journey towards Reconciliation . The training explored the shared history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, the meaning of Reconciliation and discussed roles in a shared future . Two youth members joined training in September and October, and said they found the experience personally meaningful and contributed to their own Reconciliation journeys .

Workshop - 2019 Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science workshop For the second year, the NWMO held a workshop to bring together scientists and Indigenous Knowledge keepers . Indigenous Elders and community members, advisors to the NWMO, experts in Traditional Knowledge, NWMO leaders and staff and professors from Canadian and international universities attended the two-day workshop in King City, Ontario . To open the workshop, Elder Fred Kelly performed a pipe ceremony and Brandon Petahtegoose, a member of the NWMO Council of Elders and Youth, continued with a drum song to honour the pipe and for the guidance it would bring to the meeting .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 15 Youth members A long-time youth member left the Council to take up a position with the NWMO as an Indigenous Relations Associate, where she will contribute to her role in supporting youth members of the Council in developing their leadership skills . Another long-standing member was reinstated to the Council to fill the vacancy and ensure continuity among youth membership . The Council welcomed an additional member in July 2018, a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceeded First Nation, a potential siting area community in Southwestern Ontario . The Council invited three additional youth guests to its December meeting, including a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, a potential siting area community in northwestern Ontario; a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation; and a member of the Ontario Coalition of Indigenous Peoples (OCIP) . The guests were subsequently invited to join the Council and in April 2020, Elder Fred Kelly led a traditional welcoming ceremony .

Learn More agreements

Through Learn More agreements, communities receive the resources, information and funding to learn about Canada’s Plan . Youth engagement is one component of this program . Communities identify different ways for Indigenous youth to learn about the project . For example, several northern First Nation communities visited the NWMO’s Proof Test facility in Oakville, Ontario and toured OPG’s waste management facilities at the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations . Youth also learned about the project through attending presentations and events organized in potential siting area communities . For example, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation organized a Learning and Sharing Gathering in July and invited youth throughout Treaty #3 to attend . Youth in Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Constance Lake First Nation and Long Lake 58 First Nation attended environmental workshops to contribute to environmental monitoring design . In the North of Superior region, the NWMO set up an information booth at an annual youth gathering, which provided staff with the opportunity to speak with youth about the project and the organization . And in November, a youth group in Aamjiwnaang First Nation attended a Learn More Presentation delivered by NWMO staff . The Mobile Learn More Centre visited Constance Lake First Nation on July 23 for an Open House . We made available information about potential borehole drilling locations, which prompted discussion with youth and community members . Youth visits to the NWMO’s proof test facility and OPG waste management facilities for education tours are listed under “Learning Through Tours” in the previous section of this report .

16 Nuclear Waste Management Organization EARLY INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS PROGRAM

The NWMO Early Investments in Educations and Skills Program (EIES) program offers important support for local youth and community initiatives designed to equip people with the skills suitable for future APM related work in the community where the project is ultimately sited as well as transferable skills that can be applied to other projects or work . The program is administered through local siting area communities and extends support to neighbouring communities . These investments recognize that the youth of today are the workers, parents and leaders of tomorrow . In 2019, communities received support for many initiatives that promote STEM and skilled trades . Of more than 65 funded EIES youth focused activities and community activities including youth, 33 were related to STEM . The program also contributed to a wide range of other professional and non-professional development including academic awards, job readiness training and student activities . The investments in local skills will continue to evolve with the project and support the project’s future success . Table 3, on the following page, provides a range of NWMO EIES-funded initiatives .

Great Lakes Métis Council Elder and Youth Knowledge exchange

Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) regional leadership, the Georgian Bay Traditional Territory Consultation Committee, are focusing on the exchange of Traditional Knowledge between local youth and knowledge holders as an important area for youth development . In support of this, the NWMO contributed sponsorship for Métis youth from the Great Lakes Métis Council area (Owen Sound and surrounding area) to take part in seasonal field activities involving: animal tracking through foot print (tracks) identification, surviving on country foods (wild leeks, fiddle heads, mushrooms and others), harvesting of small game (rabbits, frogs, birds) and catching and properly cleaning fish . Through the activity, elders and youth shared experiences, learned from each other and contributed to strengthening Métis values for future generations .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 17 TABLE 3: 2019 EARLY INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Huron-Kinloss and • Aamjiwnaang First Nation Education Department - Annual Bursary Program South Bruce and • Aamjiwnaang First Nation Education Department - Lunch/snack program area • Aamjiwnaang First Nation Education Department – Safe food handling and first aid training • Aamjiwnaang First Nation Employment and Training Program - Job readiness • Bluewater District School Board, Bruce and Huron Counties - Skills Opportunities Trailer 2 0,. Mobile Learning Lab for skilled trades learning • Brookside Public School, Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh - Lego kits • Bruce Botanical Food Garden - Student hired • Discovery Western (Western University) – Summer Camp • F .E . Madill Secondary School, Wingham - 3D Printer • F .E . Madill Secondary School, Wingham, Robotics Team - Tournament Fees • G .C . Huston Public School, Southampton - Robotics kits • GEMS Science Camp - Summer camp • Huron Bruce Minor Hockey Association - Hockey skills • Huron Heights Public School, Ashfield Township - Robotics kits • Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce – Additional Scientists in Schools workshops • Huron-Kinloss Family Science Night – Educational science activities • Kincardine District Secondary School – Science and technology equipment • Kincardine District Secondary School, Kincardine - Transportation to Ontario Skills Competition • Kincardine District Secondary School, Regional Robotics Team - CN Router • Kincardine Township - Tiverton Public School, Kincardine - Maker Space materials • Launch Pad Youth Activity and Technology Centre, Hanover - Field trips and after school programming • Lucknow Central Public School, Robotics team – Robotics kits • Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council - Elder/Youth Knowledge Exchange • Mildmay-Carrick Agricultural Society - Community event • Queen Elizabeth II Public School, Sarnia - Robotics kits • Ripley-Huron Community School, Ripley Ravens Robotics team – Robotics kits • Ripley-Huron Skating Club – Activities and skill development • Sacred Heart High School, Walkerton - GPS units for outdoor activities • Sacred Heart School, Mildmay - Robotics school Maker Space • Sacred Heart School, Teeswater - Hydroponics growing kit for vegetables • Sir John Moore Community School, Corunna - Robotics kits • South Bruce schools: Hillcrest Central School, Sacred Heart School Teeswater, Sacred Heart School Mildmay, Mildmay-Carrick Public School, and École Immaculée-Conception students – Earth Rangers Assemblies • St . Anne’s Catholic School, Clinton - Digital water-bath system for science class • St . Anthony’s School, Kincardine - 3D printer • Teeswater Agricultural Society - Community event • Teeswater Sacred Heart - Hydroponics vegetables growing kit • Walkerton District Community School, Walkerton - Math initiatives

18 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 3: 2019 EARLY INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Hornepayne and • Constance Lake First Nation – Educational trip to Science North in Sudbury Manitouwadge • Early ON Centre – New equipment • Hornepayne Elementary School - Science North Summer Camp • Hornepayne Elementary School - Team sports Jerseys • Hornepayne Public School – Educational trip To Toronto • Josie Bluff Memorial Christian School, Constance Lake First Nation – Robotics kits • Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre, Constance Lake First Nation – Robotics kits • Manitouwadge High School – Bursaries for post-secondary education • Manitouwadge students, Science North summer camp • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Manitouwadge - Educational class trip to Toronto • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Manitouwadge - Empowered Reading Program • Superior Greenstone District School Board - Manitouwadge Public school: Career learning visit to Confederation College

Ignace and Area • Boater Safety course – Safety and employable skills training • Community Garden Project – Learning environmental sustainable practices • École Immaculée-Conception - Expand green house • École Immaculée-Conception, Ignace Library, Ignace Public School - STEM resources for the classroom, conferences and student engagement • Fire arms safety course – Safety training • First aid and CPR training – Skill/employment training • Hunter’s Safety course - Ecosystems and wildlife management • Ignace High School - Graduation awards • Ignace Nursery School - Library Makerspace and STEAM related resources • Ignace Safe Food Handling Course – Skills and certification training • Mental Health First Aid Course –Two-day mental health awareness and response program • Science North Camp – Summer Camp • Skills Ontario Resource and Affiliation – Attend events, access to resources • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Food handling course – Skills and certification training • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation youth high school students – Career pathways activity

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 19 PROMOTING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH EDUCATION (STEM)

Among other areas of learning, EIES funding promotes student exploration of, and curiosity and passion for STEM . Across all siting areas, initiatives supporting STEM ranged from resources for a library makerspace, learning materials and events, and science summer camps to name a few . Robotics and coding and the integration of these into interactive classroom learning experiences are popular among teachers and students . Schools attended by Indigenous students in southern Ontario also submitted requests to enhance their STEM programming . Some examples of STEM related activities are included here .

Skills Opportunities Showcase Trailer 2.0 The NWMO was proud to be part of a local partnership to create the Skills Opportunities Showcase Trailer 2 .0 (SOS Trailer, formerly known as the Mobile Learning Lab) . The initiative was launched in December 2019 to support skilled trades and STEM learning among students in Bruce and Grey Counties . Through hands-on activity stations that can be set up in school gymnasiums and community centres, students gain experience in a variety of areas such as: tire changing, heavy equipment, hair styling, welding, carpentry, culinary, masonry, electrical wiring, as well as STEM . The NWMO participated in SOS Trailer learning events throughout the fall at elementary schools in Bruce County, including a stop at the South Bruce Family Science Night on September 26 . In October, we also held two SOS Trailer previews at the Bruce Grey Catholic School Board and the Bluewater District School Board for education administrators . The program officially launched December 6 at the Ripley Huron Community School for Grades 7 and 8 students . Ultimately, the SOS Trailer initiative is expected to reach more than 20,000 students in the region’s 50 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools . With regional EIES funding and a direct NWMO contribution, the program is funded collaboratively by the NWMO, the Township of Huron-Kinloss and the Municipality of South Bruce . Table 4 lists the SOS Trailer 2 0’s. events in 2019 .

20 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 4: 2019 SKILLS OPPORTUNITIES SHOWCASE EVENTS

September • September 26 - South Bruce/NWMO Family Science Night, Mildmay

October • October 1 - Bluewater District School Board SOS 2 0. Open House, Hanover • October 3 - School visit Paisley Central School, Paisley • October 18 - Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board SOS 2 0. Open House, Hanover • October 22 - Nawash Student and Community Career Fair Kikendaasogamig Elementary School, Neyaashiinigmiing

November • November 5 - Take Our Kids To Work Day Bruce Power, Tiverton • November 19 - Build A Dream, Port Elgin

December • December 6 - Skills Opportunities Showcase 2 .0 Launch at Ripley Huron Community School, Ripley • December 10 - Skills Ontario Elementary Day Bruce Power, Tiverton

Grades 7 and 8 students at Ripley-Huron Community School got hands-on experience about what is required in the skilled trades . Here they are taking part in a simulated welding exercise .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 21 NWMO staff congratulate Grade 11 award recipient for achievement in math studies .

The NWMO awards bursaries to Aamjiwnaang First Nation students excelling in STEM fields On Thursday, August 15, the First Nation community of Aamjiwnaang in Southern Ontario held its High School and Post-Secondary Education Awards Ceremonies . The NWMO has sponsored a bursary program with the community for the past three years, supporting awards for academic achievement in math and the skilled trades . This year’s recipients were two Grade 11 students at high schools in the area .

22 Nuclear Waste Management Organization SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS PROGRAM

The NWMO Sponsorships and Donations program provides support for local initiatives that focus on community well-being, education and youth, as well as for geographically broader science education programs and programs focussed on Reconciliation . In addition to funding ongoing youth science organizations, this year we initiated the Nuclear Waste Management Organization Women for STEM Scholarship with Ontario Tech University . This scholarship was awarded to one high performing female undergraduate student entering her first year of a STEM-focussed program at Ontario Tech . We also initiated funding for organizations advancing Reconciliation efforts in schools . This included support for the inspiring work of the Gord Downie & Fund Legacy Schools program, and the important work of the Right to Play’s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program . In 2019, we supported 132 initiatives across 3 potential siting communities and areas and of these, 78 were youth-related . We also supported:

• Science North, which delivered programs in 8 Northern Ontario communities reaching 1,708 elementary students;

• SHAD, where we delivered presentations at 12 universities reaching 800 high school students;

• Scientists in the School program, the NWMO’s contribution to the program has supported an overall reach of 5,238 students in the 2018-2019 school year in the Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth Counties . The NWMO specifically funded 70 workshops reaching 1,890 students;

• Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools Program, which reached 1,711 participating schools across all provinces and territories, including siting areas; and

• Right To Play‘s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth Program, which reached 4,000 youth in Ontario .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 23 LOCAL AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES

Youth-related local and regional initiatives focussed on well-being, culture and sports . Some illustrative examples this year included: youth participation in hockey tournaments, elder-to-youth traditional knowledge exchanges, pow-wows, baseball teams, community events and life-skills training . Table 5 provides an illustrative list of local and regional community-led initiatives supported with NWMO funding .

48th Annual Little Native Hockey League The Little Native Hockey League is a long running hockey tournament for Ontario Indigenous youth who travel to Mississauga for a week of hockey . The NWMO was a platinum sponsor for the 48th edition of the tournament in 2019, supporting more than 200 teams and approximately 3,000 players . Many travelled long distances to participate, including young people in siting communities and areas . Aamjiwnaang served as tournament host .

Build a Dream Event in Port Elgin Build a Dream is a non-profit organization that originated in 2014 in the Windsor area to address the skilled trades/ STEM shortage . The organization is now province-wide . The NWMO sponsored the annual Build a Dream Career Expo in Bruce County on November 19 . The Expo provided young women from Grades 9 to 12 and their parents with information to support decisions around education and career pathways . The NWMO had a booth at the event and spoke with students about working at the NWMO and in the nuclear industry .

NWMO staff at an information booth during the Build a Dream event where students visited and discussed career pathways in Tournament participants and families stopped by the NWMO booth the nuclear industry and working at the NWMO at the 48th annual Little NHL hockey tournament

24 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 5: 2019 LOCAL YOUTH SPONSORSHIPS BY SITING AREA

Hornepayne and • Constance Lake Bantam hockey team – Participation in the Little NHL youth hockey tournament Manitouwadge and • Constance Lake First Nation Moose Festival – Sharing traditional skills with youth area • Constance Lake First Nation Youth Mental Health First Aid Training - Training to deal with mental health • Constance Lake Pow Wow Committee - Support youth pride and participation in traditional customs and culture • Food Bank Christmas Hampers - Gifts and food baskets for families • – PowWow gathering, teaches and promotes culture and traditional way of life for all ages • Healthy Kids and Sante Manitouwadge Health - The Great Big Crunch group activity promoting healthy eating • Healthy Kids Manitouwadge and Sante Manitouwadge Health - 4 week get active event for children • Hornepayne EarlyOn Centre - Lunch, Munch & Learn Program, Baby Picasso Program and Community Baby Shower • Hornepayne Food Bank – Food for families • Hornepayne Minor Hockey Association - Hockey Fun Day • Hornepayne Santa Claus Christmas Party – Gifts for children, food and games • Kiwissa Ski Club – Youth activities including Jersey Day, Helmet Contest • Little Rockers Curlers - Funspiel celebration • Mamawatawa Holistic Education Centre - Educational trip to Toronto • Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group - Share the Care Walk • Manitouwadge Healthy Kids - Adventures in Cooking • Manitouwadge High School Athletic Association - Recreational activities • Manitouwadge Outdoor Enthusiasts - Fish Derby • Township of Manitouwadge - July 1st party with fireworks

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 25 TABLE 5: 2019 LOCAL YOUTH SPONSORSHIPS BY SITING AREA

Ignace and Area • 1st Dryden Scouts – Camping equipment and safety gear • Aboriginal People of Wabigoon - Firework Committee, Canada Day Celebrations • Aboriginal People of Wabigoon - March Break Carnival • Dryden Walleye Masters - Annual fishing tournament • Dyment/Melgund Community - Annual Canada Day activities • Dyment/Melgund Community - Sleigh Ride and Bonfire • Eagle Lake First Nation - 37th Annual Traditional Pow Wow • École Immaculée-Conception - Breakfast Program • Ignace EarlyON Child and Family Centre – Spring Fever Fun Day, Halloween Safety Day, Pictures with Santa Events • Ignace Minor Ball – Youth baseball • Ignace Otters Snowmobile Club - Annual Snow Derby • Ignace Recreation Committee – Annual Holiday Parade and Family Skate • Ignace Recreation Committee - Community Clean Up Week • Ignace Recreation Committee - Outdoor Community Movie Nights • Ignace School – Loonie Lunch Program • Ignace School - Mother’s Day Market Fundraiser • Mary Berglund Community Health Centre - Annual Fall Harvest Dinner • Métis Nation of Ontario, Atikokan Métis Council - Harvest Feast to celebrate and honour Métis harvest and heritage • Northwestern Health Unit – Teens in Motion Program • Northwestern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association - Championship medals • Savant Lake Community Events - 12th Annual Fish Derby • Seine River Spring Fever Days - Community events • Wabigoon Fireworks Committee - Annual Canada Day community events • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation - Cultural Camp • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – Participation in the Little Chiefs Goodwill Hockey Tournament

Huron-Kinloss and • 1st Lucknow Scout group – Participation in the Haarlem Jamborette, The Netherlands South Bruce and • Aamjiwnaang First Nation – Family activities at the Little NHL area • Belmore Sting - Boys Bantam OASA Softball Team, tournament travel costs • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kincardine & District - Camp Kintail • Bluewater Regional Science and Technology Fair - Medals • Blyth Festival – Deeper Roots Series • Books in the Bruce – Access to reading opportunities for children in the community • Bruce Grey Children’s Water Education Council – Grey Bruce Children’s Water Festival • Bruce Grey Children’s Water Education Council – Forest Festival

26 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 5: 2019 LOCAL YOUTH SPONSORSHIPS BY SITING AREA

Huron-Kinloss and • Chelsey Kinsmen – Careers in Agriculture Job Fair South Bruce and • Clinton Minor Baseball – Summer Camp area • Community Living Kincardine and District – Infant and Child Development Outreach Program • Grey Bruce Highlanders Hockey Team – Transportation, ice-time • Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation – Environmental awareness programs • Little NHL – Ice time and logistics • Métis Nation of Ontario, Georgian Bay Métis – Aboriginal Day Celebrations • Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council - Annual Fish Fry • Métis Nation of Ontario, Great Lakes Métis Council - Harvest Dinner • Métis Nation of Ontario, Moon River Métis Council - National Indigenous Peoples Weekend Celebration • Mildmay Junior Broomball - Regional tournament • Nawash Charity Golf Tournament - Little NHL teams and youth initiatives • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) – 15th Annual Grey Bruce Skills and Technology Challenge • PRWIN & 4H Conservation Club - Annual Tree Planting Event • RBR (Rather Be Riding) Saddle Club - youth focused riding club • Ripley Agricultural Society Fall Fair - Live band • Ripley Summer Sport Committee - Improvements to four local community baseball diamonds • Ripley Wolves Senior A Hockey Club – Fundraising event costs • Ripley-Huron Community Centre - Co-Ed Family Shinny • Sacred Heart School – Maker Space material • Saugeen Indian Ojibway Nation - Saugeen Stars Hockey Organization participation in the Little NHL tournament • Saugeen Valley Conservation Foundation - “Christmas in the Country” event • South Bruce Minor Hockey Association – Hosting tournaments • South Bruce RBR Saddle Club - Shows, ribbons, awards • South Bruce Toonie Tuesday Swim - Reduced admission rate to encourage physical activity • South Bruce Tourism Committee - Adult and Tot Skate program • Teeswater Agricultural Society - Farm Gate to Your Plate agricultural showcase • Teeswater and District Kinsmen Clubs - Kids Fishing Derby • Teeswater Club - “Learn to Curl “ program • The Aamjiwnaang First Nation – 58th Annual Pow Wow • The Niagara Region Métis Council - Trailer and the Métis cultural items • Tiverton Youth Rugby – Tournament • Walpole Island Anishinaabe Fair – Community and youth activities

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 27 Women for STEM Scholarship - Ontario Tech University Ontario Tech University held its first ever Women for STEM Summit on October 17, 2019, and used the occasion to announce the first recipient of the NWMO’s Women for STEM Scholarship . The NWMO was one of several organizations to support scholarships awarded to female undergraduate students entering their first year of a STEM-focused program with a focus on: Business and Information Technology, Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, and Science .

YOUTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS

The NWMO continued to fund year-over-year science and technology educational programs . The Science North and Scientists in School programs reach elementary students through practical workshops . Reaching secondary school students across Canada, the NWMO contributes to SHAD’s month long summer science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) program . Total numbers of NWMO-funded workshops are listed in table 6 .

TABLE 6: SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOL WORKSHOPS BY SCHOOL YEAR

Year Number of SIS Workshops

2018-2019 70

2017-2018 701

2016-2017 70

2015-2016 70

2014-2015 65

2013-2014 50

1 The 2018 Annual Youth Engagement Report included the 70 NWMO-sponsored workshops and the 10 additional workshops siting communities funded through the EIES program . This report only reflects the NWMO sponsored workshops . In 2019, the Township of Huron-Kinloss and the Municipality of South Bruce again directed EIES funding towards over 10 additional workshops .

28 Nuclear Waste Management Organization Kids, parents and grandparents filled the Mildmay-Carrick Recreation Complex on Sept . 26 for a fun-filled night of science .

Scientists in School

For the past six years, the NWMO has provided complimentary Scientists in School workshops for children and youth in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Feedback Perth Counties . The half-day workshops inspire youth to discover science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) . “I love the Scientists in School program! In 2019, the NWMO funded 70 workshops reaching over 1,800 students . Each experience has been engaging, New to the region this year was a workshop for Grade 4 students entitled subject-specific and fun for our little Sound Is Music To My Ear . This and other workshops engage with students ones. Thank you for your well organized, from Kindergarten to Grade 8 to provide the opportunity to meet children’s hands-on, and exciting program. We are curiosity through inquiry-based activities, inspire a passion for STEM, and looking forward to next year! I would ultimately develop new education and career trajectories . highly recommend this program to other Several community partners came together with Scientists in School classroom teachers. Don’t miss out!” on September 26, including the Municipality of South Bruce, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the NWMO to present the South Bruce Family Kindergarten Teacher after a Simply Science Night . The family occasion allowed young people to have fun with Marvelous Machines workshop, Bruce-Grey education and share the experience with their parents and grandparents . Catholic District School Board.

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 29 NWMO Relationship Manager and NWMO Community Liaison Manager, along with campers, watch a Science North staff member conduct a science demonstration .

Science North

Since the NWMO started sponsoring Science North in 2012, it has supported interactive science-focused sessions delivered to more than 1,600 students in eight municipal and Indigenous communities in and around potential siting areas . Modules are developed with the northern environment in mind . For example, the Survivor module engages Grades 2 to 4 student biologists to explore the specific adaptations that plants and animals make to survive in the north . Communities reached through the Science North program are listed in table 7 .

SHAD

In our 10th year as a sponsor, the NWMO funding supports high school students from across Canada to attend SHAD’s month-long summer education program with a focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM) . In 2019, NWMO staff visited 12 university campuses and delivered interactive presentations to approximately 800 SHAD students about the APM project . Through group work and discussion, students explored ideas around the science and technology of safely managing Canada’s used nuclear fuel . The list of universities where NWMO presented are found in table 8 .

30 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 7: COMMUNITIES REACHED THROUGH TABLE 8: 2019 SHAD PRESENTATIONS SCIENCE NORTH • Carleton University • Constance Lake First Nation • Lakehead University • Dryden • McGill University • Hornepayne • McMaster University • Ignace • Mount Allison University • Manitouwadge • Queen’s University • Upsala • Ryerson University • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation • University of New Brunswick • White River • University of Saskatchewan • University of Waterloo • Western University • York University

RECONCILIATION

We supported the inspired Reconciliation work of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools program and Right to Play’s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program .

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools Program

Inspired by Chanie Wenjack’s story, representative of the tragic story of Indigenous children across Canada, Gord Downie called on us all to build a better Canada . As stated by the organization,” the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples ”. The NWMO contributes to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools Program, which is one of a suite of programs the organization offers . Canada-wide -- including in potential APM siting communities – classroom teachers are provided with toolkits to help students learn about the history and impact of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples . As part of the program, legacy schools are encouraged to take meaningful actions to move reconciliation forward .

Right to Play – Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth program

Across Canada, Right to Play’s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program works in partnership with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities as well as urban Indigenous organizations . Through play-based learning, the program fosters leadership development and positive change related to community well-being priorities such as health, education, healthy relationships, and employability . The program builds skills amongst local youth workers to deliver programs that advance positive outcomes for children, youth and communities . The NWMO’s contribution supports Ontario- wide programming .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 31 YOUTH OUTREACH IN COLLABORATION WITH POST- SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

The NWMO continues to work with university and international partners to advance research and practice in related technical disciplines such as engineering, geoscience and safety assessment . Research initiatives supported through university-based partnerships harness the best of Canadian academic expertise, together with NWMO professionals, in testing and modelling key safety features such as the engineered- and natural-barrier systems associated with the repository . Research initiatives further support graduate and postgraduate students to pursue studies in nuclear waste management fields . The NWMO also participates in the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) . UNENE is an alliance of universities, nuclear power utilities, and research and regulatory agencies with a mandate to support and develop nuclear education, and research and development capacities in Canadian universities . In 2019, the NWMO again hosted two research seminars, one focused on the engineered systems and one on the geosphere where Professors and students were invited to share their work .

Western University graduate student conducting experiment during visit to high school with NWMO staff in support of career days at Hornepayne and Research presentation at the 1st annual Ontario Research Fund meeting Manitouwadge high schools on May 14 and 16 .

32 Nuclear Waste Management Organization NWMO RESEARCH PROGRAM

In 2019, the NWMO supported ongoing work at 18 universities, involving 24 Canadian research groups . The NWMO and Lakehead University in northern Ontario launched a new research initiative that aims to characterize the deformation and hydrothermal alteration of various granitoids in northwestern Ontario in order to provide insight into the tectonic history of this area . The NWMO and the University of New Brunswick also initiated research using magnetic resonance imaging to help understand the nature of water in clay and shale rocks . Examples of research programs in 2019 included (partial list):

• An Industrial Research Chair in Radiolysis-assisted Corrosion of Steel at Western University, with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and UNENE;

• An Industrial Chair in High Temperature Aqueous Chemistry at the University of Guelph, with NSERC, UNENE and others;

• A Collaborative Research and Development Grant (CRD) in investigation, testing and verification in support of advanced EDZ modelling with Queen’s University, with NSERC;

• A CRD Grant in Bioavailability and Molecular Structure of Organic Carbon in Bentonite at University of Toronto, with NSERC;

• A CRD Grant in Analysis of Nucleic Acids from Difficult Media: Method Optimization for Bentonite Clays and Rock Cores Associated with Deep Geological Repositories for Nuclear Waste at University of Waterloo, with NSERC;

• A CRD Grant in Dolomite Paleogenesis in the Huron Domain of South Ontario with the University of Windsor with NSERC;

• Research Grant on Geochemistry of hydrothermal alteration and replacement mineralogy associated with regional metamorphism of Archean granitoids of the Wabigoon Subprovince at Lakehead University; and

• A CRD Grant in Dolomite Paleogenesis in the Huron Domain of South Ontario with the University of Windsor, with NSERC .

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 33 Graduate students and NWMO research

The NWMO hosted events with research partners to facilitate professors and graduate students to meet each other, exchange research information, and identify opportunities for collaboration . At a second annual academic tour held in February, research partners, professors and scientists shared research they were working on with the NWMO . Approximately 40 graduate students participated in a poster session, which provided an opportunity to engage researchers on their work .

Ontario Research Fund

In 2018, the Ontario Research Fund awarded a five-year $4-million research excellence grant to a university- NWMO team to further study the long-term stability of containers for used nuclear fuel for deep underground applications . For this research, the NWMO is collaborating as the industrial partner with four Ontario universities: Western University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and York University . This year, the 1st annual Ontario Research Fund meeting was held at Western University (grant leader) from June 26-27 . The event included updates from each research group involved in the grant . Results were presented to all grant members including an end user panel and a scientific advisory panel . Much of the research was carried out by approximately 50 graduate students . Examples of research include: material properties of the engineered barriers, long-term integrity of copper in a deep geological repository, microbiological behaviour in bentonite clay, processes for movement of chemicals in rock and bentonite and methods to remove radionuclides from soil or clay . The grant also supports a Youth Outreach Plan that encourages participation by academic partners in the NWMO youth outreach activities . With support from this grant, NWMO staff and academic partners (professors and graduate students) visited potential siting communities for high-school career days and Community Liaison Committee meetings to promote STEM initiatives and to educate youth about APM .

UNIVERSITY PRESENTATIONS

NWMO scientists regularly present to university classes and departments to provide an introduction to the APM project as well as addressing specific technical topics . A full list of presentations is found in table 9 .

34 Nuclear Waste Management Organization TABLE 9: 2019 UNIVERSITY PRESENTATIONS AND EVENTS

Date University Event

January 14 UNENE R&D Workshop Presentation

January 24 University of Waterloo Panel discussion

February 12 Ontario Tech University (UOIT) Department presentation

February 21 Research Partners The NWMO hosted visit of students and professors to its proof test facility with student poster session

March 5 Ontario Tech University (UOIT) Presentation to North American Young Generation in Nuclear group

March 31 Queen’s University Department presentation

May 17 Various The NWMO hosted a visit of NWMO summer student interns to its Proof Test Facility

June 26-27 Western University, University of Waterloo, Ontario Research Fund meeting – The event focused on University of Toronto, York University research updates from partner universities

October 1 McMaster University Presentation to research group

October 30 Western University First year Chemistry class presentations

October 31 University of Toronto Invited talk in Civil Engineering

November 1 University of Guelph Department presentation

November 11 Western University The NWMO CEO visited university and met students working on NWMO projects

November 11 University of Laval Presentation to research group

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 35 THE NWMO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In 2019, the NWMO continued to hear from the public via our website and email, as well as through the social media channels Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube . This year, the NWMO launched a Twitter channel, which as of October 2019 had more than 1,000 followers . Throughout 2019, the NWMO has steadily increased its social media presence, resulting in increased online engagement – clicks, likes, comments, and shares . Generally, engagement with NWMO social media channels continues to be neutral to positive, demonstrating friendly reaction to fact-based content (“Did you know, copper resists corrosion, adding another layer of protection as part of the multiple-barrier system?”) . Content of this kind, designed to demystify Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel, has become a primary conversation starter within the NWMO’s social media channels . In 2019, the NWMO’s social media audience also demonstrated a strong interest in Indigenous-related content, particularly the #VoicesOfReconciliation YouTube video series shared across the organization’s social networks, focusing on its Reconciliation journey . The NWMO’s social media audience also continued to engage around community-based content in 2019, which often showcased the organization’s involvement in local communities via Sponsorships and Donations . Additionally, content in the form of quizzes or polls proved of interest for the organizations online community, providing an opportunity to learn about adaptive phased management through quick, real-world examples (i .e . “What are the household uses of bentonite?”) .

APPENDIX: 2019 SCORECARD

BUILD YOUTH AWARENESS OF THE NWMO AND THE APM PROJECT OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

The NWMO works with siting • Dollars allocated on youth • Youth involved in initiatives/ communities to implement local initiatives: events: youth initiatives in the siting area. » $935,000 EIES and Sponsorships » 6,474 in sponsored sport, and Donations programs cultural, community activities, » $325,000 Learn More Resource and non-funded community- funding for youth engagement based outreach • 368 youth engagement activities » 3,512 in Scientists in School (EIES, Sponsorships and Donations, and Science North sponsored Learn More activities, and post- programs secondary presentations) » 800 in SHAD APM presentations

36 Nuclear Waste Management Organization BUILD YOUTH UNDERSTANDING AND CONFIDENCE IN THE PROJECT OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

The NWMO works with siting • Youth participating in technical » 280 youths involved in communities to implement training, career learning, and/or on continuing and life skills opportunities to engage the job experience that could help education, traditional siting area youth in gaining an position them for future APM job knowledge sharing, and understanding of the APM project opportunities: summer internships » 833 Career and technology fairs • 721 youths participating in Learn » 2,893 Robotics/STEM programs More tours, open houses and/or and activities learning and sharing events, and » 797 Skills training programs and NWMO classroom presentations academic awards

BUILD YOUTH CAPACITY FOR FUTURE DECISION-MAKING RE APM OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

The NWMO works with siting communities to • 30 youths on Community Liaison Committees and create opportunities for siting area youth APM community groups providing input into decisions participation in dialogue on decisions affecting the potential project implementation in their area

OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

The NWMO works more broadly to build the capacity • 2,254 post-secondary youths exposed to briefings and of Canadian youth (post-secondary) to support seminars about the NWMO and APM – delivered to the implementation of the project through building university audience interest, awareness and skills in disciplines required by the APM project

Engaging youth: A report on NWMO youth engagement activities 37 For more information, Nuclear Waste Management Organization please contact: 22 St . Clair Avenue East, Fourth Floor Toronto, Ontario M4T 2S3, Canada Tel .: 416 .934 .9814 Toll Free: 1 .866 .249 .6966 Email: contactus@nwmo .ca Website: www .nwmo .ca

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