Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario — In a groundbreaking initiative, youth and artists from Melgund Township have created an interactive online course designed to spark a community conversation about nuclear waste management. The course, titled “Exploring Nuclear Waste Management in Our Backyard,” was developed by the local Art Borups Corners program, which serves as a hub for participatory arts and skills development. The course delves into the science and technology of nuclear waste storage, focusing on the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) initiative and its potential impact on the local community.
Situated near the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) Revell Site Selection Study Area, Melgund Township is one of the two locations being studied as a potential site for a DGR. The course offers a comprehensive look at the Adaptive Phased Management (APM) program, radiation safety, and the ethical, environmental, and economic challenges tied to nuclear waste storage in the region.
“This course is a way for us to take a closer look at the nuclear waste issue and learn about it from a local perspective,” says Tony Eetak, one of the youth involved in the Art Borups Corners program. “We’re part of a community that’s directly connected to this project, and it’s important to understand what’s happening and how it could impact our future.”
Tony, a founding member of the Art Borups Corners program, explained that the course is not only a learning experience but also a way for the group to experiment with building online educational content. “We’ve been developing our skills in digital tools and creating content, so this course became an opportunity to merge those efforts with an important topic,” he added. “We want to equip people in our community with the knowledge to actively participate in decisions about the DGR and nuclear waste management.”
Jamie Bell, an interdisciplinary artist and mentor to youth and artists in Melgund and Winnipeg, has played an instrumental role in supporting the project. “Art Borups Corners has always been about encouraging young people to engage with complex issues through creativity,” says Jamie. “This course is a perfect example of how the arts can intersect with science and social responsibility. We hope it inspires others to think critically about nuclear waste management and its implications for our environment and communities.”
The course not only provides scientific insights but also emphasizes diverse perspectives on the subject, giving learners a platform to understand the local and global challenges surrounding nuclear waste storage. The youth involved hope that by the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to engage in discussions about sustainability, safety, and the long-term impact of the DGR initiative.
“This is just the beginning,” Tony notes. “We’re looking forward to expanding the conversation and continuing to learn about these issues together.”
The “Exploring Nuclear Waste Management in Our Backyard” course is available online and is part of the larger initiative to build a more informed and empowered community in Melgund Township. Through arts, education, and collaborative engagement, the youth and artists of Art Borups Corners are creating a space for conversation that bridges science, ethics, and the environment.
