‘Over My Dead Body’: Indigenous Elders Unflinching in Opposition to Nuclear Energy Indigenous elders across Turtle Island (North America) have taken a steadfast stand against nuclear energy, their unwavering voices echoing the profound connection they share with the land and its ancestral spirits. Sacred Lands, Threatened Heritage For Indigenous peoples, land is not merely property but a sacred entity, a source of sustenance, cultural identity, and spiritual connection. Nuclear power plants, with their toxic waste and potential for catastrophic accidents, pose a grave threat to the very lands that sustain Indigenous ways of life. “Our ancestors have been living in this land for thousands of years, and we have a duty to protect it for future generations,” said Lakota elder and activist Faith Spotted Eagle. “Nuclear energy is a danger to our people, our environment, and our entire way of life.” Environmental Concerns Beyond their cultural significance, Indigenous elders also voice concerns about the environmental impact of nuclear energy. Uranium mining, the source of nuclear fuel, has devastating consequences for Indigenous communities and ecosystems. “Mining destroys the land and water, and the waste they leave behind continues to poison our people for generations,” explained Navajo elder and environmental activist Dinetah Bales. “We will never accept the destruction of our homelands for the sake of nuclear power.” Risks and Alternatives Elders point to the inherent risks associated with nuclear energy, including the potential for accidents, radioactive contamination, and the long-term storage of nuclear waste. They advocate for clean, renewable energy sources that do not threaten future generations or ecosystems. “We believe there are better ways to meet our energy needs,” said Ojibwe elder and author Winona LaDuke. “We must invest in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies that respect both the land and our future.” A Collective Voice Indigenous elders from across Turtle Island have united their voices in opposition to nuclear energy. They have testified before government committees, organized protests, and shared their wisdom with the public. Their steadfast resistance has helped raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear power and has influenced policy decisions. Several nuclear power projects have been canceled or scaled back due to Indigenous opposition. A Legacy of Perseverance The opposition of Indigenous elders to nuclear energy is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the land, their culture, and their future. Their voices serve as a reminder of the importance of Indigenous knowledge and the need for intergenerational stewardship. “We will not rest until nuclear energy is a thing of the past,” vowed Lakota elder and Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Arvol Looking Horse. “Over our dead bodies will we allow our lands and our people to be sacrificed for the sake of this dangerous technology.”
Experts have warned against the potential costs and risks associated with the Australian government’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants. A survey by the Australia Institute revealed that 65% of Australians are unwilling to pay more for nuclear energy in their energy mix.
Experts have warned against the potential costs and risks associated with the Australian government’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants. A survey by the Australia Institute revealed that 65% of Australians are unwilling to pay more for nuclear energy in their energy mix.
The proposed plan, which aims to establish nuclear power plants on the sites of coal-fired power stations, has faced criticism from environmental groups and Indigenous leaders. Concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact and the risks to Indigenous communities, particularly in Queensland, where one of the proposed sites is located on Indigenous land.
Furthermore, the economic viability of the plan has been questioned. The latest GenCost benchmark report estimates that building a large-scale nuclear power plant would cost at least $8.5 billion. Additionally, doubts have been cast on the proposed timeline for completion, with experts citing significant cost increases and delays in similar projects in the US and Britain.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed skepticism about the plan, calling it a “nuclear fantasy” and highlighting Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources. Cabinet Secretary Bill Shorten has also noted the challenges faced by recently built nuclear power stations in terms of cost overruns and delays.
Despite these concerns, the government has defended its plan, stating that Australians would be “pleasantly surprised” by the costs when they are revealed. However, state premiers have vowed to block the project in their jurisdictions, citing the precedence of Commonwealth law over state law.
Indigenous Elders Vehemently Oppose Nuclear Energy Indigenous elders from various communities across the country have expressed their unwavering opposition to the development of nuclear energy in Australia. “Over my dead body,” declared Elder Aunty Lorraine Inkamala from the Mutitjulu community in the Northern Territory. “We will not allow this dangerous technology to be imposed on our lands.” The elders have cited concerns about the potential environmental and health risks associated with nuclear power. They point to the long-term consequences of radioactive waste disposal and the potential for accidents. “Our ancestors have taught us to live in harmony with the land,” said Elder Uncle Kevin Buzzacott from the Ngarrindjeri nation in South Australia. “Nuclear energy threatens to disrupt this delicate balance and put our future generations at risk.” The elders’ opposition stems from their deep connection to the land and their responsibility to protect it for future generations. They emphasize that nuclear energy is not compatible with the traditional Indigenous values of sustainability and respect for the environment. “We will continue to fight this proposal with all our might,” said Elder Aunty Dulcie Flower from the Gomeroi nation in New South Wales. “Our voices must be heard and our concerns must be respected.” The elders have joined forces with environmental organizations and other community groups to oppose the development of nuclear energy in Australia. They are calling on the government to abandon its plans for a nuclear waste dump in South Australia and to invest in clean, renewable energy sources instead.
