Spring Visit to Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà (Rayrock): Elders Observe Remediation in Progress
As part of ongoing efforts to clean up the former Rayrock uranium mine, Tłı̨chǫ Elders visited Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà in late spring (May 21, 2025) to observe how water and vegetation behave during freshet season. This meaningful visit provided Elders with an opportunity to witness the progress of federally led remediation work, share personal stories connected to the site, and offer insights to guide future land stewardship. The tour also gathered Elder input on vegetation management, site conditions, and cultural connections to the land. The tour participants included (not all on the photo above):
- Tłı̨chǫ Elders: Nick Football, Mary Adele Football, Alphonse Apples, Joseph Moosenose.
- Youth Representative: Beazoa Football.
- Tłı̨chǫ Government staff and support: Garry Lafferty, Henri Mantla (Wildlife Monitor), Eva Beaverho (Translator).
- Site Contractor Employees (Sanexen): Bobby Nitsiza, Ilies Tazi, Emmanuel Addoquaye.
- Facilitator/Consultant: Regan Fielding (Fielding Environmental, tour lead).
Observing Remediation Progress Firsthand
The group toured key remediation areas, including the Mill Lake Confined Disposal Facility and the water treatment plant. Elders were pleased to see the progress made and acknowledged the care taken to protect workers, the environment, and the broader community. They also appreciated the strong safety protocols and respectful support provided by the remediation team, including transportation, food, and on-site guidance from Sanexen (photo above: aerial view of Mill Lake with the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) and Sherman Lake in the background).
Aerial Views and Dry Terrain
Accessed by helicopter, the group gained a unique aerial perspective of the site. Ground conditions were relatively dry, with minimal surface water observed—unlike last year’s freshet tour, which took place earlier in the season and showed more active runoff (photo above: arial view of South Tailings Area, Gamma Lake on the right, Sherman Lake in the background to the left).
Honouring the Past and Looking Ahead
From the former mill area, Elders looked out over Sherman Lake and shared memories of the families who once camped there during the mine’s operation. These stories reaffirmed the deep cultural significance of the site. Elders expressed interest in revisiting the traditional camping area on a future tour and recommended creating a monument to honour Tłı̨chǫ workers and families affected by the mine (photo above, left to right in foreground: Alphonse Apples, Nick Football, Eva Beaverho, and Garry Lafferty; background: Devin and Ilies Tazi, Sanexen employees).
Weighing the Future of the Land
A discussion on Awnless brome—a non-native grass now covering much of the capped tailings—prompted thoughtful exchanges. Should it be replaced with native plants, or left to avoid attracting wildlife to the area? Elders will carry these reflections back to their communities for further discussion (photo above: South tailings area; in the foreground, from left to right: Bobby Nitsiza, Beazoa Football, Mary Adele Football, Alphonse Apples, Nick Football, and Eva Beaverho; in the background: Devin and Ilies Tazi, Sanexen employees).
Working Together to Reclaim and Revitalize Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà
The Tłı̨chǫ Government is grateful to collaborate with CIRNAC, PSPC, AECOM, Sanexen, the Elders and all communities on the remediation of the former Rayrock uranium mine, with the goal of progressively restoring Tłı̨chǫ trust and use of the Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà area. Remediation efforts will continue over the next two years and are already showing positive results. Elders are pleased to see signs of wildlife returning to the site, and the water quality in Sherman Lake is good—fishing has even begun again (photo above: inside the water treatment plant; left to right: Emmanuel Addoquaye, Bobby Nitsiza, Joeseph Moosenose, Beazoa Football, Mary Adele Fottball, Nick Football, and Eva Beaverho).
