Indigenous Voices in Resource Development Podcast
Episode 19: Brittany Jones, Greg Plain, and Sara Loft
This episode of Indigenous Voices and ResourceDevelopment brings together three Indigenous professionals working in and alongside the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to talk about theirroles in the nuclear sector and how they engage with communities on nuclear. Through their personal journeys, Greg Plain, SeniorEngagement Officer at NWMO; Brittany Jones, Manager of Indigenous Assessment at NWMO; and Sara Loft, Owner of Tawi:ne Consulting, share how they entered thesector—often without technical backgrounds—and emphasize that their core role is not to promote projects, but to build relationships, share knowledge, and support Indigenous communities in making informed, self-determined decisions. A central theme throughout the conversation is trust. Theguests describe how meaningful engagement requires time, presence, and authenticity. This means showing up in communities, having honest conversations, and recognizing that many people approach the industry with skepticism due to historical harms. They stress that Indigenous values, including stewardship, protecting land and water, and thinking in terms of seven generations, shape how communities assess projects, often prioritizingenvironmental protection over economic benefits. The conversation also underscores the balance betweenprofessional roles and cultural identity. The guests speak candidly about the criticism they can sometimes face, while reaffirming their commitment to their communities and to ensuring decisions are informed and community-driven. Theyalso encourage Indigenous youth to consider careers in the sector, noting that there is space for many different skills and perspectives—and that representation and authenticity are key to changing how industries engage withIndigenous peoples.
