Delegation visits Ontario’s Darlington New Nuclear Project and Nuclear Waste Management Organization facility to explore SMR and conventional nuclear technology, Indigenous partnerships and the long-term management of used nuclear fuel
The Respective Territories of the Haisla Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Nisga’a Nation, Halfway River First Nation and Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation, July 17, 2026 – The First Nations Climate Initiative (FNCI) led a delegation of First Nations leaders and energy experts to Ontario to learn firsthand about the opportunities associated with nuclear power generation and small modular reactors (SMRs) and how this technology could help meet British Columbia’s growing electricity needs as part of the province’s energy transition.
The delegation visited Ontario’s Darlington New Nuclear Project to examine the commercial frameworks, safety systems and Indigenous equity structures supporting the G7’s first grid-scale SMR development. The delegation also visited the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) facility in Oakville to learn about Canada’s approach to the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Both tours involved direct discussions with facility staff and managers as well as representatives of the Williams Treaties Nations who recently signed agreements to become equity owners of the Darlington SMRs.
FNCI Nations are already global leaders in energy infrastructure co-ownership, holding active partnerships and equity stakes in LNG facilities, port terminals, gas production plants and major transmission projects, including the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL). Many of these large-scale operations will require significant new supplies of reliable, low-emissions electricity to be competitive in a decarbonizing global economy. This tour is part of a proactive effort by these Nations to evaluate whether nuclear and SMR technology can play a role in B.C. as the province builds the electricity infrastructure required for a net-zero future.
“The era of true partnership and First Nations leadership is here,” said Chief Wes Sam of Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation, whose Council and community understand the need to explore this use of SMRs. “The historic deal signed by our brothers and sisters in the Williams Treaties territory demonstrates once again that First Nations are commercial drivers of large-scale and innovative infrastructure and technology for the future.”
Chief Sam added, “While infrastructure co-ownership is already a well-established model for our Nations across LNG plants, port infrastructure and gas facilities, introducing advanced nuclear power like small modular reactors represents a completely new frontier for British Columbia. As we lead major industrial decarbonization efforts across northern B.C., we must proactively evaluate every potential low- and zero-emission power option to sustain our economies and secure our clean energy future.”
The delegation’s findings — including insights on SMR technology, Indigenous partnership models and the long-term management of used nuclear fuel — are an early step in a collaborative effort to fully consider nuclear power and SMR technology as one of the options in the ongoing development of advanced, zero-emission baseload power that is an essential part of B.C. and Canada’s economic future and net-zero transition.
About First Nations Climate Initiative
The First Nations Climate Initiative (FNCI) is an Indigenous-led collaborative forum dedicated to fighting climate change; alleviating First Nations’ poverty; restoring ecosystems in First Nations’ traditional territories; and enabling Indigenous people to be leading actors in the decarbonized economy. By bringing together First Nations, other governments, climate experts, industry and other key stakeholders, FNCI is accelerating the development of climate solutions for B.C. and Canada, and growing economic opportunities for First Nations.
FNCI was founded in 2019 by the Haisla Nation, Metlakatla First Nation and Nisga’a Nation. In 2022, Halfway River First Nation became a signatory to the Initiative and many Nations like Ts’il Kaz Koh are active partners. The FNCI invites participation from all First Nations—and all others—who share its vision. For more information, visit fnci.ca.
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Media Contact:
Chanda Hunnie
First Nations Climate Initiative (FNCI)
