​Bruce Power, SON expand partnership to increase production of cancer-fighting isotopes

Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) have announced the expansion of their partnership in the production and marketing of cancer-fighting medical isotopes, through an investment in new isotope infrastructure at the Bruce Power site.

This partnership, named “Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin,” which translates to “We are teaming up to fight the sickness,” will have positive impacts on cancer treatment worldwide, while creating new economic opportunities within the SON territory.

“Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation have been committed to setting ourselves down a path together, working in collaboration and uniting on a project to help fight cancer, globally, through the production of short-lived medical isotopes,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s chief development officer and executive vice-president.

“We are stronger when we work together,” said Scongack. “Bruce Power is proud of our continued partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, supporting the global fight against cancer while creating new economic opportunities and advancing economic reconciliation.”

The partnership began in 2019 in a collaboration for the marketing of current and new isotopes produced through the first-of-a-kind Isotope Production System (IPS) that was installed at Bruce Power in 2022. The expansion of this partnership and investment in increasing isotope production, will support the growing need for cancer-fighting Lutetium-177, which is produced in the IPS.

“The Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership is an opportunity for SON to play a leadership role in the global fight against cancer while also helping build economic opportunities for our territory, people and communities,” said chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. “Today, we are pleased to announce an expansion of our partnership with Bruce Power and look forward to continued success as we move forward together.”

“We are proud to be a part of the global fight against cancer through this innovative project,” said chief Conrad Ritchie, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. “The expansion of the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership is a result of the increasing demand for cancer-fighting Lutetium-177, and the increased production will ensure our partnership will continue to provide a reliable source of these isotopes for patients around the world.”

The IPS in Unit 7 was developed in a unique international collaboration between Bruce Power, Isogen (a Kinectrics and Framatome company), ITM Isotope Technologies Munich, and SON, and produces cancer-fighting Lutetium-177 for cancer patients, doctors, and researchers across the globe.

Learn more about how Bruce Power is helping to keep hospitals safe, and also diagnosing and treating cancer, at www.brucepower.com/isotopes.

Learn more about “Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin” at www.fightingcancertogether.ca.