New Nunavut group promotes uranium discussion

Nunavummiut concerned about the impact of uranium exploration and mining on the environment and human health are forming an organization that will launch later this week.

The group, known as Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit — Inuktitut for "Nunavummiut can rise up" — will officially launch Saturday in Iqaluit.

Its goal will be to "foster informed public discussion about whether or not uranium mining should be allowed in Nunavut," spokesperson Sandra Inutiq said in a release Wednesday.

Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit is the first organized group for people who are concerned about uranium mining in the territory, which has seen a resurgence in interest from uranium mining companies in recent years.

In 2007, Nunavut's land-claims organization, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., approved a policy that supports uranium development in the territory under certain conditions.

There are currently more than 20 companies actively exploring the territory for uranium.

Environmental regulators are currently reviewing an application by Areva Resources Canada Inc. to develop an open-pit and underground uranium mine at its Kiggavik site, located about 80 kilometres west of the community of Baker Lake.

Saturday's launch will include a presentation by Baker Lake resident Joan Scottie, who led a local opposition campaign against a similar uranium mine proposal in the 1980s.

Also attending will be Jamie Kneen, a spokesman for MiningWatch Canada.