Kebaowek and World-Changing Kids unite to mobilize youth and protect the Ottawa River
Kebaowek and World-Changing Kids unite to mobilize youth and protect the Ottawa River
The Kebaowek First Nation and the organization World-Changing Kids (WCK) are launching a national collaboration aimed at raising awareness among young people about environmental issues and Indigenous rights, in the context of the controversial Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) project in Chalk River.
At the heart of this initiative is a public, intergenerational, and interactive online learning event that will bring together youth, families, educators, and community members from across the country. The event will feature an educational presentation designed and led by WCK youth, remarks from Kebaowek Councillor Justin Roy, a live Q&A session, and concrete actions participants can take to support the protection of the Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River).
The goal is clear: to make complex issues—radioactive waste management, free, prior and informed consent, environmental justice—more accessible, and to empower young people to speak up and take action. This collaboration also marks the beginning of a broader educational partnership aimed at creating learning tools for schools and communities.
WCK youth activists have already spoken out, expressing concerns about the risks the NSDF poses to drinking water, ecosystems, and future generations. “We need to stand against this!” said one participant, reminding others that “our voices are the engine of change.”
For Justin Roy, youth leadership is essential: “Working with them reminds us that this is not only about today’s decisions, but about the world we leave behind.”
At the same time, WCK is collaborating with MP Leah Gazan on a national petition calling for greater transparency and stronger respect for Indigenous rights in nuclear waste management. This initiative gives citizens a direct opportunity to get involved.
By combining education, mobilization, and advocacy, the Kebaowek First Nation and World-Changing Kids aim to build an inclusive movement to protect the Ottawa River and encourage responsible decision-making for generations to come.
