Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà (Rayrock) Site Blessing Ceremony Marks Important Milestone

Press Release

August, 2025 The Tłı̨chǫ Government, together with Elders, community members, and project partners, gathered at Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà (Rayrock) on June 25, 2025, to celebrate a significant step in the remediation of the former uranium mine. The day was marked by a Site Blessing Ceremony, stories from Elders, and reflections on the progress being made to restore the land and water for future generations.

A Ceremony of Respect and Renewal

Elders and drummers led a Feed the Fire and drum prayer ceremony, offering tobacco to the Creator to call for the restoration of life to the area and the protection of land, water, and wildlife. Elders reflected that coming together in ceremony onsite is powerful and healing. Elder Alphonse Apples of Gamètì remarked on the visible progress at the site: “We like what we see, and we don’t need to be afraid of it anymore.”

Stories of Connection to the Land

The ceremony also provided space for sharing memories and personal ties to Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà. Elder Marie Adele Football recalled her childhood, when she lived at the site, and spoke of hiding her doll before leaving. That doll was recently found, symbolizing how remediation supports reconnection to the land and healing across generations. As Violet Camsell-Blondin, TG Manager of Lands Regulation, explained:“It is another way of getting back to the land—something lost years ago that is now coming back.”

Recognizing Progress and Partnerships

Participants toured key remediation areas, learning about water and fish safety, revegetation, long-term monitoring, and ecological restoration. A highlight of the day was the unveiling of the new Partnership Sign that celebrates the governance-to-governance partnership between the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Canada. During the unveiling, Violet Camsell-Blondin and Ron Breadmore (CIRNAC – CARD) exchanged a handshake, symbolizing the strength of ongoing collaboration.

Reassuring Updates from the Q&A

During the knowledge-sharing session, several important updates reassured Elders and community members about the safety and long-term care of Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà:

• Safe water and fish: Ongoing monitoring confirms that the water is safe and fish remain healthy for consumption. Sherman Lake continues to support a thriving ecosystem, and Elders recalled that past fish fries using local pike confirmed the safety of the catch.
• Re-vegetation and ecological restoration: New vegetation is already thriving, used by wildlife, and considered safe. Elders and youth will be involved in selecting native trees and shrubs to restore the area in line with traditional knowledge.
• Long-term protection: Most of the site will be open after remediation, but engineered areas like the Containment Disposal Facility will stay restricted to ensure their integrity (e.g., no digging or permanent camp). Some monitoring equipment will remain, and CIRNAC will remain responsible to provide oversight in perpetuity.
• Commitment to monitoring: Land and water monitoring will continue long after remediation is complete, with regular five-year reviews to assess how the remediation work is performing, ensure site safety and adapt to new findings.
• Learning and adapting: The project is breaking new ground, and the team emphasized that flexibility is built into its approach to address challenges as they arise.
• Ongoing work at Sun Main: Work is underway and, despite a short pause due to construction adjustments, will resume this fall with a strengthened approach.

Looking Ahead

This milestone ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment to protecting Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà for future generations and recognized the collaborative efforts of all partners. The Tłı̨chǫ Government looks forward to continuing this important work with CIRNAC, Sanexen, and the communities as the project moves into its next stages.

IBF4