Shuswap Nuclear Study Action Group

• Shuswap Nuclear Action Group

The Shuswap Nuclear Study Action Group, also known as the Shuswap Nuclear Action Group (SNAG), was created in 1979 to study the harmful effects of uranium mining in Fly Hills. Inspired by a talk by John Moelaert on the dangers of uranium mining and nuclear fission, the first few meetings of the group were informal. On September 19, 1979 a structure was adopted. Ron Anderson was elected Chair, Kim MacMillan Vice-Chair, Secretary Diane Urae, Treasurer Karen Berger, Research and Education Coordinator Jane Petch, Program Coordinator Vicky Berger, and Media Coordinator Marg Shand.

Memberships were $5 per year and a reduced rate of $3 for seniors and students.

The group was galvanized into action when, in the fall of 1979, it became public that Union Oil was working on 8,000 acres of uranium claims in the Jen-Jen claims of Fly Hills. Another 4,000 acres in the Syphon claim were staked next to the Jen-Jen claims, inside the municipal boundaries. SNAG took a brief to council asking it to safeguard water that flowed through the exploration areas. On January 14, 1980 council invoked the Public Health Act under Section 64 and declared uranium exploration within its watershed areas a nuisance and banning such activity.

The group was instrumental in creating the Peace Park in Salmon Arm, sponsored a Cruise Missile Walk, and lobbied the District of Salmon Arm to create a nuclear free community.

SNAG folded soon after Bill Bennett announced a moratorium on uranium exploration in British Columbia.

Salmon Arm, B.C.
Fly Hills, Salmon Arm, B.C.

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