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An Indian tribal view of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle: Historical and cultural lessons

Journal Article · · Radwaste Magazine
OSTI ID:426122
Indian tribes of the western United States, including the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Yakama Indian Nation, have entered into cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy to oversee the cleanup of the Hanford Reservation, in Washington state. These and other tribes considering involvement in nuclear waste management programs have been subjected to severe criticism from some Indians and non-Indians, accusing them of aiding and abetting the violation of Mother Earth by acquiescing in the contamination of lands by radioactive wastes. We`d like to suggest that this view of the Indian relationship to nature and the environment is too narrow. While the purpose of this article is not to suggest that Indian beliefs support the location of waste management facilities on Indian lands, we will describe aspects of Indian religion and culture that support tribal involvement in radioactive waste management and environmental restoration, and participation in radioactive waste management decision making.
OSTI ID:
426122
Journal Information:
Radwaste Magazine, Journal Name: Radwaste Magazine Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 3; ISSN 1070-9541; ISSN RDMGEK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English