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About the partnership
Learn more about the background and benefits of Gamzook’aamin aakzowin for both the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power.
A historic collaboration
Since 2019, Bruce Power and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) have collaborated to ensure SON benefits from the production and marketing of medical isotopes. They also worked together to secure funding for SON to invest in the isotope production system (the “IPS”) to irradiate isotopes like lutetium-177.
The New Isotope Collaboration and Marketing Agreement was amended in 2021, with Bruce Power providing a “virtual loan” to SON to invest in isotopes. To pay back the “virtual loan”, a portion of isotope revenue payments was withheld.
Since 2022 when the first production line for lutetium-177 was operational on Unit 7, isotope revenues have provided SON with a revenue stream supporting community priorities.
In 2023, the partnership expanded with $9.1M in funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund. This helped support the addition of a second production line for lutetium-177 on Unit 7.
At the end of 2025, SON built upon the success of the partnership so far and invested even further in Bruce Power’s isotopes. This investment will ensure a long-term, significant revenue stream for Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
SON’s investments have been structured to avoid out-of-pocket costs, which is enabled through retained isotope revenues, similar to a portion of a paycheque being withheld. The private loan supporting the investment is further secured by the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program from the Building Ontario Fund.
Partnership Timeline
2018
April
Initial discussions between SON and Bruce Power on wealth creation/revenue generation.
October
Initial presentation to theSON Joint Council.
2019
January
Formal partnership initiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. Advocacy begins with government to enhance economic returns for SON.
June
SONCommunity InformationSessions held.
2020
July
SON Community Telephone Town Hall conducted.
2021
March
New collaboration agreement signed between Bruce Power and SON.
2022
February
Construction completion of the Isotope Production System (IPS) at Bruce B.
October
Bruce Power becomes the first commercial reactor in the world to produce lutetium-177.
2023
June
Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund supports SON’s expansion in isotope production and marketing.
2024
May
Gamzook'aamin aakoziwin partnership expansion announced to meet growing global demand for lutetium-177.
October
Second production line added for lutetium-177.
2025
Summer
Partnership update Community Information Session and outreach.
October
Partnership Community Open Houses.
2026
Q1
First Partnership Expansion SONPayment
About our name and logo
Our Project art was created by Emily Kewageshig, an artist and member of Saugeen Ojibway Nation (Saugeen First Nation). The emblem represents a diversity of people working together towards healing, and is surrounded by a circle to capture the role that medical isotopes play in the global fight against cancer. Learn more about Emily’s art at www.emily-kewageshig.com
Our Project name, Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, was developed by Polly Keeshig-Tobias, Knowledge Keeper, language speaker and member of Saugeen Ojibway Nation (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation). Polly met with other SON Knowledge Keepers, language speakers and Elders to develop this name which translates to, “We are teaming up to fight the sickness”, and captures the spirit of the partnership – fighting cancer together.
Meet the team
It takes a dedicated team to turn nuclear fission into better cancer care and stronger communities. Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partners and supporters include:
Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON)
Encompassing the communities of Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) and Saugeen (Saugeen First Nation).
Bruce Power
Bruce Power generates the power needed to irradiate isotopes, operates the Isotope Production System and harvests cobalt-60 during outages.
Isogen
A joint venture between Kinectrics and Framatome, which designed, manufactured, and installed the Isotope Production System at Bruce Power and supports ongoing lutetium-177 production before and after irradiation.
ITM
ITM produces high-quality radiopharmaceutical isotopes such as no-carrier-added lutetium-177 by irradiating ytterbium-176. ITM distributes its products globally and recycles target materials like ytterbium-176 for reuse in future production cycles.
Nordion
A Canadian company that uses harvested cobalt-60 to sterilize single-use medical equipment—such as surgical masks, gowns, syringes, and gloves—and supplies medical-grade cobalt-60 for cancer treatment through radiation therapy.
The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada provided Strategic Innovation Fund support in 2023 to enable SON’s investment.
The Government of Ontario
The Government of Ontario supports the 2025 Partnership Expansion through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.
Meet the committee
The Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin Committee is a joint committee with representatives of SON and Bruce Power to provide ongoing oversight and direction on the Partnership, including collaboration and marketing opportunities, community outreach, government relations and opportunities for expansion and enhanced economic benefit to SON.
Mike Chegahno
Director, Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin Partnership Committee
Mike “Waasegiizhig” Chegahno, is a proud member of Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation where he resides. Mike brings a strong background in science and energy leadership, including five years with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office. He joined the Partnership as Director in May 2025 and began his journey learning Anishinaabemowin in the fall of 2025.
Lester Anoquot
Councillor, Saugeen First Nation and SON Joint Council
Lester Anoquot is a long-time leader for Saugeen First Nation, previously serving multiple terms as Chief. He has worked extensively on governance, economic development, and partnerships with industry, including initiatives with Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation. Lester is committed to advancing community priorities, protecting treaty rights, and fostering collaboration through the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Joint Council.
Cheree Urscheler
Councillor, Saugeen First Nation and SON Joint Council
Cheree Urscheler has served Saugeen First Nation in leadership roles for over a decade, including as Band Administrator before joining Council. She is actively involved in governance and community initiatives, recently contributing to efforts affirming Saugeen’s land rights regarding Saugeen Beach on CBC Radio. Through the SON Joint Council, Cheree works to strengthen partnerships and advance priorities that support her Nation’s well-being.
Greg Nadjiwon
Councillor, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and SON Joint Council, Co-Chair Southern Ontario Isotope Coalition (SOIC)
Greg Nadjiwon served for four terms as Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and currently continues to serve as a Councillor. He worked as an ironworker for 35 years, including work at the Bruce Power site. He is passionate about creating opportunities for his community that support sustainable growth and economic and social prosperity.
Norma Tobey
Councillor, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and SON Joint Council
Norma Tobey serves as a Councillor for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Joint Council. She brings over a decade of experience in health and community services, having worked as Home & Community Care Program Coordinator since 2013. Norma is actively involved in governance, community development, and initiatives that strengthen health and well-being for her Nation. Her leadership reflects a commitment to collaboration and advocacy for sustainable solutions.
Terry King
Community Representative, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
Terry King is a proud band member of the Chippewas of Nawash, born in Toronto, Ontario. She is the devoted mother of Nimke Jones and Shannon King-Chapman and grandmother to seven grandchildren.
Terry’s commitment to corporate reconciliation began during her time as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council, where she first learned about the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership. She values respectful consultation and ensuring Indigenous voices shape decisions that impact their communities.
Outside of work, Terry is dedicated to learning Anishinaabemowin, spending time with her family, and pursuing her Community Economic and Social Development Certificate at Algoma University, with plans to complete her BA in the same field.
Dwayne Nashkawa
Community Representative, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
Dwayne Nashkawa is a seasoned First Nations governance leader and strategic advisor. A member of Saugeen First Nation, he served as CEO of Nipissing First Nation for nearly two decades, leading major initiatives such as constitutional development, financial administration law, and a $124 million boundary claim settlement. Dwayne has extensive experience in treaty negotiations, resource management, and advancing self-government, and continues to support First Nations in building strong governance frameworks.
James Scongack
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Bruce Power
James Scongack is responsible for a wide range of operational and capital project services, nuclear regulatory affairs, external affairs, environment, sustainability, asset dispatch, medical isotopes and business development.
During his 20 years of service at Bruce Power, James has served in a number of diverse leadership roles at the company. He also serves as Chair of the Independent Electricity System Operator Strategic Advisory Committee, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and Chair of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).
Peter McDermid
Director, Business Development – Isotopes
Born and raised in Port Elgin, Peter holds a BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master’s in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. Since joining Bruce Power in 2017, he has advanced through roles in finance and project management to lead isotope production and energy development. In his current role, Peter oversees Cobalt-60 and Lutetium-177 production and Project 2030, driving innovations that strengthen health care and clean energy. Outside of work, Peter enjoys golfing and gaming, and is a proud husband and father of two young children.