Grade 12 student Landon Moise is part of a group of young individuals who could potentially have employment prospects at a mine being constructed north of their town in a secluded area of Saskatchewan. Moise is a student at Clearwater River Dene School, located over 500 kilometers north of Saskatoon and approximately two hours away from a new uranium mine project by NexGen Energy. The school is adjusting its educational program to equip students for the forthcoming significant economic and environmental transformations.
Moise expressed, “I have the opportunity to learn about safeguarding the environment and collaborating with major corporations operating in our vicinity.” NexGen’s Rook 1 mine is being established on the traditional lands of the Dene, Cree, and Métis communities. This $2.2 billion initiative is projected to create close to 500 permanent positions and position Canada as the world’s primary uranium exporter.
Recognizing the unparalleled economic chance, educators at the school are ensuring that young people are adequately prepared. They are providing lessons on financial literacy and practical skills that are valuable both in and out of the classroom. Brien Morgan, the school’s practical and applied arts instructor, highlighted the importance of linking students with industry opportunities using the skills they acquire.
Morgan mentored students in constructing core sampling boxes essential for mine drilling, and collaborated with a local enterprise to sell students’ creations to mines in the region. These hands-on projects boost students’ confidence and readiness for post-graduation employment opportunities. The school is also mindful of the environmental impact of a project of this scale. Last year, students engaged in planting over 4,000 seedlings of blueberry, alder, and jack pines at the mine site.
Teacher Paul Haynes orchestrated this initiative and initiated the land-based learning program to enable students to reconnect with the environment and learn in a more traditional setting. Haynes expressed delight in students already securing contracts with NexGen post-graduation, emphasizing the substantial income potential available to them.
However, Haynes also expressed concerns about the project’s impact on the land and traditional food sources. He stressed the importance of educating students on the environmental implications to enable them to form their opinions on the development.
NexGen has assured CBC that they adhere to stringent environmental protocols daily concerning wildlife, air quality, and water. The company has entered into benefit agreements with nearby First Nations and Métis communities, allowing them to utilize their environmental experts and review all operational environmental data.
Leigh Curyer, NexGen’s CEO, emphasized their collaborative efforts with provincial and federal governments to ensure environmentally sensitive operations. Curyer highlighted proactive reclamation efforts and the unique design of the project’s tailings as environmentally advanced practices. He emphasized the significance of this innovation in reducing environmental impact and expressed hopes that it will safeguard the traditional land throughout the mine’s anticipated 24-year lifespan.
