About the Event AFN - Nuclear Waste Management Forum
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host a Nuclear Waste Management Forum, “Navigating Nuclear Waste with Sovereignty and Self-Determination,” on May 26th and 27th 2026, on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation in Ottawa, Ontario.
Under the theme “Navigating Nuclear Waste with Sovereignty and Self-Determination,” the AFN Nuclear Waste Management Forum invites First Nations Chiefs, technicians, community members, economic development and natural resources officers, technicians, industry representatives, and government officials, to engage in facilitated dialogue, networking, and information sharing on nuclear waste management, transportation and storage across Turtle Island.
This Forum will build on the critical feedback provided by First Nations during the 2024 Dialogue Sessions on the Transportation and Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel. It will serve as a vital platform for information sharing and advancing discussions on nuclear waste management, fostering nation-to-nation dialogue, and ensuring First Nations’ perspectives, rights, and priorities remain central to any decisions that may affect First Nations’ lands and waters. To access the Final Report on the 2024 Dialogue Sessions, please see below or click here.
Register NowWho should attend the Nuclear Waste Management Forum?
- First Nations Chiefs and Councilors or their representatives.
- Representatives from First Nations organizations and technicians.
- Industry, academia, and other non-governmental entities involved in First Nations and natural resources, energy, and nuclear waste management issues.
- Federal, provincial, or territorial government representatives.
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Objectives
The AFN Nuclear Waste Management Forum will bring together First Nations leaders, community members, and technical experts to provide the most up-to-date information on nuclear waste management plans across Turtle Island and to engage in dialogue.
Objectives of the Forum:
- Provide a platform for First Nations to assert their rights, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful dialogue on the management, storage, and transportation of nuclear waste and nuclear energy across Turtle Island.
- Support collaboration between and within communities, industry partners, and governmental agencies while prioritizing First Nations sovereignty, self-determination, and the protection of lands and waters for future generations.
- Receive feedback and identify evolving priorities for First Nations regarding used nuclear fuel, transportation, and storage in Canada.
We invite you to join us as we continue advancing the following AFN Resolutions:
Registration
The AFN invites you to register for the Nuclear Waste Management Forum “Navigating Nuclear Waste with Sovereignty and Self-Determination” May 26th and 27th, 2026. All participants are encouraged to pre-register. Please note that there is a registration fee, with the exception of First Nations youth (under 29 years old), Knowledge Keepers, Elders and Forum presenters.
Please register before making travel arrangements.
You will receive a confirmation email.
Call for Presenters
The Call for Presenters process is open until March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. ET. If you are interested in presenting a topic related to the conference theme, please view the Call for Presenters Application link below for potential session topics and to submit your proposal.
Agenda
Check back soon for a more detailed version.
Contact Information
If you need assistance registering online, please email the AFN Registration Coordinator at [email protected]. For event-related inquiries, please email [email protected]
Accessibility
If you require ASL/SLQ, please contact us by 03/27/26 at [email protected]
For questions about accessibility (disability) accommodations, please e-mail [email protected].
Travel
The AFN has arranged room blocks for delegates with a limited number of rooms at the following hotels in Ottawa:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
Rate: $319.00 per night
Book Online: Book your group rate for Assembly of First Nations Attendees
Book By Phone: Call 613-741-9862 (hotel front desk) or 613-741-9862 ext. 2000 (reservation team) with the group code *AFAN*, stay dates, and a credit card to guarantee.
NOTE: Book by April 24th, 2026, to get the forum rate.
Airlines:
The AFN has arranged discount codes for delegates with the following airlines:
- Air Canada: MGBG73M1
- West Jet: 3A7Y1IV