Team
nuclear
truth
project
The Nuclear Truth Project benefits from the expertise of people across the world, particularly those with direct or intergenerational experience of nuclear harms.
We welcome new members to join our regular online meetings and events. Please inquire about upcoming meetings here.
We have a Steering Committee which is comprised of at least sixty percent First Nations Peoples, people of colour, affected community members, LGBTQ, and women. Our current Steering Committee is Kathleen Sullivan PhD, Molly McGinty, Mitchie Takeuchi, Benetick Kabua Maddison, April Brown PhD, A/Prof Anaïs Maurer PhD, Pamela Kingfisher and Dimity Hawkins. We thank Bedi Racule who acted as Co-Chair for the Nuclear Truth Project from December 2022 – mid-2024.
We have two Co-Coordinators, Pam Kingfisher (based in the United States) and Dimity Hawkins (based in Australia).
Introducing Co-Coordinator PAM KINGFISHER
Pam Kingfisher has been central to the Nuclear Truth Project from the beginning. She is the Co-Coordinator of the Nuclear Truth Project, with particular oversight of the organizational, donor and fundraising relations and Indigenous outreach.
Born and raised in the shadow and secrecy of the nuclear bomb, where her dad began working construction at the Hanford Nuclear plant in 1943, Pam became an activist at a young age. Her brother also retired from 30 years in management at one of the nuclear reactors at Hanford, but he died from a very rare bone marrow cancer.
“The silence settled in our families, so few stories were shared in the community. As children growing up in the company sphere, we never understood the full impact of our father’s work. We never heard that the Columbia River was the most radioactive river in the world. We didn’t hear about the fires, explosions, failures and extensive contamination.”
This silence was a fuel for her curious mind!
Pam is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, born to the Bird Clan. She farms organically, working with bees, medicinal plants and trees on her grandmother’s 1906 allotment land in NE Oklahoma. Pam has been a consultant to the nonprofit field for the past twenty-five years, providing services in organizational capacity, policy and programming.
Significant activities include: community organizing to shut down 23% of the worlds uranium supply at the contaminated Sequoyah Fuels/Kerr McGee processing plants; was a team member in the creation, endowment and successful launch of a new Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, securing endowment funds resulting in a $13 million investment from the Ford Foundation and two tribes; and recently local organizing to shut down the construction of six mega poultry houses on Spring Creek near her home.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT:
“In today’s violent reality, it is comforting to work with community activists, young and old, who share my urgency about nuclear abolition, climate change and human rights. Our monthly zoom calls throughout the pandemic were a lifeline connecting us across the time zones and the realities of our lived experiences on the front lines of nuclear colonialism.
The burden of the bombs started long before they were ever tested, and continues today, especially in Native communities. Whether weapons of war or atoms for peace – they are all deadly. We can never look away from the destructive forces which have been unleashed on the planet and we must continue to speak up for non-proliferation, nuclear abolition and peace. Sharing our stories about our sacrificed communities and cultures is extremely important for young people to hear now. The international community we have created within the Nuclear Truth Project gives me hope for the future of the planet as we connect impacted communities.”
Introducing Co-Coordinator DIMITY HAWKINS
Dimity Hawkins AM (she/her) is a queer activist, researcher and PhD candidate living as a settler in Australia.
Dimity is the Co-Coordinator of the Nuclear Truth Project. Her work as Program Lead is building on our foundational projects as well as advocacy for recognition, rights, and inclusion of those with lived experiences of nuclear harms. She is an advocate for accountability and transparency for nuclear weapons testing, particularly in the region where she lives.
Dimity was also a co-founder of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons (ICAN) and a Board member and campaigner for ICAN Australia. Dimity is finalising a PhD through Swinburne University focussed on nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific and the response of Fiji to nuclear testing and decolonisation in the period of 1966-1975. She has an Honours degree in Politics and Public Policy from Swinburne; her Honours thesis examined the development of the extended nuclear deterrence concepts in Australian defence policy.
Dimity is also a current National Committee member with the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA), an Indigenous led forum supporting communities impacted by past, existing or proposed nuclear projects in Australia.
Dimity was recognised in 2019 through the Australian Honours system having been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to the global community as an advocate for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.”
In addition to her work with ICAN, Dimity has over three decades of voluntary, pro-bono and paid work in the civil society sector as an advocate on issues of nuclear disarmament and broader social, environmental and human rights activism. Dimity lives and works on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations, in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
“The Nuclear Truth Project arose in deep conversations between affected community members and nuclear abolition advocates in the wake of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. When the Truth Project began, it was with a clear intention to centre the voices, knowledge and expertise of those with the lived experience of nuclear harms. This includes nuclear weapons and all parts of the nuclear chain, from cradle to grave, uranium to nuclear waste dumping and much else.
For me, having grown up in Australia and Pacific Islands, these issues have been a lifelong passion. How could they not be – our region was subjected to 315 nuclear weapons tests over 50 years last century. This fact overshadowed my childhood in the Pacific, and informed my politics over decades of activism since.
Nuclear weapons are seen as a weapon to threaten cities. But the reality is from the very start these were often tested on occupied and colonised lands – on places misconceived by foreign forces as ‘remote’, ‘far away’ or even ’empty’. These places were none of these things to the people and cultures who live there.
The nuclear armed states greatly benefited from the silences that could be imposed on those colonised or subservient to foreign powers. Denial and secrecy have been key to the nuclear age, imposing silences over medical, environmental, scientific, human rights, Indigenous rights, and other legal and political considerations.
Through the Nuclear Truth Project we hope to challenge many of these silences.
The Nuclear Truth Project offers connection and collaboration with affected community members. We work to bring community together in story and strategy, inviting conversations and exchange. Our intent is to uplift the expertise of those who truly know the harm to our planet and lives due to nuclear activities. Whether focussing on identifying best practice for working within, alongside or for affected communities through Protocols, seeking transparency and accountability through our nuclear archive work, or connecting with community members and allies across the world, to work with the Nuclear Truth Project is a profound education and a true privilege.“
Introducing Co-Chair KATHLEEN SULLIVAN
Dr. Kathleen Sullivan has been engaged in the nuclear issue for more than 30 years. Director of Hibakusha Stories, an education initiative that has brought atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) to some 50,000 students, she produces nuclear themed films and projects that focus on art for disarmament. With the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, she developed the disarmament education web portal for the UN’s Cyberschoolbus website and co-wrote Action for Disarmament: 10 Things You Can Do!. In 2007, Kathleen was commissioned by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons to produce the campaign’s first education material for high school and early college students. She has supported hibakusha inclusion in international conferences and UN fora that preceded the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Kathleen is a Nagasaki Peace Correspondent and Hiroshima Peace Ambassador.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
“I have had the honor and privilege to work with atomic bomb survivors over decades. Hearing their stories of struggle and survival and seeing how others react when listening has helped me to understand the gap between lived experience and a more or less abstract appreciation of the real risks of the nuclear age.
I love the Nuclear Truth Project because it is truly unique in the abolitionist field as it uplifts lived experience as a necessary counterbalance to scientific and medical evidence of the unspeakable suffering caused by radioactive violence. We need both for us to truly comprehend the risks we live with: some 13,000 nuclear weapons and the related processes necessary for their deployment: from uranium mining to nuclear waste.
Every nuclear armed state is modernizing their arsenals and diverting money desperately needed to address climate chaos and the destabilizing conditions of social and economic injustice. Every moment of every day nuclear weapons threaten everyone we love and everything we hold dear. Hearing, documenting and sharing the nuclear truths of hibakusha, of Indigenous Peoples and other affected communities can help us remember what we are fighting for: a livable world for future generations and the responsible guardianship of radioactive materials borne of the twin technologies of nuclear weapons and nuclear power.”
Introducing Co-Chair BENETICK KABUA MADDISON
Benetick Kabua Maddison serves as the Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Springdale, Arkansas, where the largest concentration of Marshallese resides. Maddison migrated to the United States from Majuro, Marshall Islands, at age six, partly due to the threat of rising seas. Maddison first worked at MEI in 2014, collecting and translating Marshallese oral histories in Arkansas and leading educational efforts to improve educational attainment levels among his peers. He rejoined MEI in 2019, where he led efforts to raise awareness of nuclear and climate issues. Maddison was named Executive Director at the nonprofit in 2022, where he leads efforts to raise awareness about the multifaceted consequences of nuclear testing that have left an indelible mark on his homeland.
Maddison speaks regularly at national and international venues to center the nuclear testing legacy as the catalyst behind many of the health challenges faced by the Marshallese people today. His work also delves into the ecological repercussions that the environment has endured, including the contamination of land and waters, and addresses the cultural implications, recognizing how the nuclear legacy disrupts the Marshallese people’s traditions and way of life.
Maddison also dedicates considerable effort to educating about the looming threat of climate change. This challenge poses existential risks to low-lying island nations like his own. Through educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy, he works to empower his community to understand and respond to these ongoing challenges.
Maddison has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly on multiple occasions and at venues in Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, and Kazakhstan. Through these engagements, he sheds light on the stories and struggles of the Marshallese people, advocating for nuclear justice, which includes recognition, support, and solidarity.
Maddison’s commitment extends to promoting universal justice, most visibly in his advocacy for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Maddison is committed to holding governments accountable for their actions regarding nuclear development and aims to illuminate the need for reparative actions. His work aligns with the Nuclear Truth Project, which seeks to ensure that those directly impacted by nuclear development are heard and respected in discussions about justice and restitution. Maddison holds various roles and has recently taken on the position of Co-Chair for the Nuclear Truth Project.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
“Nuclear colonialism continues to profoundly impact communities that are at the forefront of nuclear issues. Many Indigenous peoples and communities of color have faced severe and lasting consequences due to nuclear development, use, or testing. Our lands, rich in history and culture, have been exploited for the creation of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear power, leading to environmental devastation and health crises. This extraction process is driven by the interests of a few powerful nations that prioritize their nuclear agendas over the well-being of marginalized communities. As a result, our cultures and traditional ways of life are threatened. These nuclear harms affect our physical environment and disrupt our social structures and heritage.
It’s important to recognize that harm to our communities does not come solely from nuclear-armed states. Individuals and organizations sometimes take advantage of nuclear frontline communities for personal gain, such as career advancement and funding opportunities, contributing little or nothing to these communities. Often, these same individuals and organizations publicly express opposition to such practices. Their actions must reflect their commitments to supporting nuclear frontline communities to create meaningful change. Genuine support should involve advocacy and tangible benefits that uplift and empower these communities and their organizations.
While frontline communities face the challenges of nuclear colonialism, it’s important to recognize our resilience and capacity for change. We are not only survivors; we are also proactive agents of transformation. Together, we play a vital role in the collective effort to eliminate nuclear weapons and pursue nuclear justice for our communities.
The Nuclear Truth Project is crucial in supporting communities directly impacted by nuclear issues and the organizations that represent them. Together, we have developed collaborative protocols that guide how individuals, organizations, and governments can effectively engage with and assist those affected by nuclear activities. I sincerely appreciate the dedicated individuals at the Nuclear Truth Project and all those who contributed to crafting these essential protocols, which the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission inspires. This partnership strengthens our collective efforts and enhances the understanding and support that nuclear frontline communities deserve.
I am excited to be a part of the Nuclear Truth Project. I am eager to contribute to expanding our mission and vision while actively promoting our protocols to a broader audience. The Nuclear Truth Project is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for nuclear frontline communities and their allies to advance our collective goals collaboratively. As we move forward, it’s important to acknowledge that, as of November 2024, not everyone who should be at the table is present. I am committed to working proactively to ensure that all voices are represented in my role as co-chair.”
Introducing MOLLY MCGINTY
Molly is the Program Director with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), where she coordinates the federation’s initiatives on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons and advocates for their total abolition, primarily through the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). A strong believer in the power of grassroots movements, Molly works closely with IPPNW’s global affiliate network and partners, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and Youth for TPNW, to build a groundswell of support for nuclear disarmament. She was on the founding Steering Committee of Youth for TPNW, currently represents IPPNW on ICAN’s International Steering Group, and is a Board Member of the Nuclear Truth Project. Molly holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Gender & Sexuality Studies from Salisbury University.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
Introducing ANAÏS MAURER
Introducing MITCHIE TAKEUCHI
Mitchie Takeuchi was raised in Hiroshima and is a longtime New York City resident. Her mother, Takako Takeuchi, and grandfather, Dr. Ken Takeuchi—founding director of the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital—survived the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Dr. Takeuchi treated victims and oversaw the hospital’s rebuilding from 1945 to 1948.
As a teenager, Mitchie volunteered at the World Friendship Center, a peace community center founded by Barbara Reynolds and Dr. Tomin Harada. Reynolds and her husband, Dr. Earl Reynolds, famously sailed their yacht, Phoenix of Hiroshima, into the Bikini Atoll nuclear test zone in 1958 to protest nuclear testing. Dr. Harada led the “Hiroshima Maiden” project with Norman Cousins, facilitating treatment for disfigured survivors at Mount Sinai Hospital. During her time at the center, Mitchie played a key role in launching a book translation program with director Leona Row, culminating in the publication of Unforgettable Fire: Drawings by Atomic Bomb Survivors, an anti-nuclear classic.
Decades later, Mitchie created and produced The Vow From Hiroshima, a documentary about Hiroshima survivor and activist Setsuko Thurlow, intergenerational friendship, and the global movement to ban nuclear weapons. Endorsed by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, the film is recommended for youth worldwide.
Mitchie is dedicated to sharing the legacies of Setsuko Thurlow and Dr. Ken Takeuchi, advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
“The Nuclear Truth Project is a unique and inclusive community where people from diverse historical, cultural, and personal backgrounds unite with a shared goal: the abolition of nuclear weapons. Whether from Indigenous and First Nations, affected communities, or as activists and academics, we come together with thoughtfulness, a willingness to listen, and a spirit of mutual learning.
This shared kindness and connection enriches our collective knowledge, making it deeply valuable. I also love the beautiful artwork the Nuclear Truth Project creates— it conveys the joy of life that we all strive for. After each web call, I find myself imagining the beautiful and varied landscapes we all call home.”
Introducing APRIL BROWN
Thankyou to our former Co-Chair BEDI RACULE
Bedi Racule hails from the Marshall Islands and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, with roots in Hawaii and Fiji. Bedi was one of our founding Co-Chairs from 2022. We thank her for her wonderful contribution to establishing the Nuclear Truth Project.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE NUCLEAR TRUTH PROJECT
“The Nuclear Truth Project is about bringing together people from all over the world with different backgrounds, different cultures, and different interests – who are all so incredibly passionate about seeking justice through truth telling and through the collective collaboration of indigenous peoples.
This space is very valuable to me because of the way it is centered on Indigenous experiences and values which often get lost in conversations about nuclear issues which mainly focus on the unemotional language of laws or science.
It is also very valuable to me because of the network and connections that I have been able to make with people from all around the globe.
I am here and look forward to working with the Nuclear Truth Project because the truth about nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands is still being censored or even worse, erased, which prevents my people from seeing the long-awaited justice they so rightfully deserve.”
DNA Repair. 2017. 16 x 20 in. Acrylic on Watercolor Paper. Mallery Quetawki (Zuni Pueblo). artist site | instagram
DNA has the ability to repair itself through complex mechanisms and pathways when damage occurs. Its intricacy of repair can be compared to the creation of beaded items in Native Culture. Designs are thought out ahead and require skill and patience to be able to bead such intricate pieces. When a beaded necklace comes undone, the stones/beads are restrung by using what is already there. The design used is from the Crow Nation. The use of the flower design symbolizes the idea of regrowth.
We would like to acknowledge the use of Ms. Quetawki’s images from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the University of New Mexico NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.
We are grateful to Zuni Pueblo artist Mallery Quetawki for designing the beautiful Nuclear Truth Project logo. Combining many symbols familiar within the nuclear free movement, this stunning design evokes both the strength and the long story of the movement we are a living part of. As the artist explains;
“The olive branch is the offering for peace, the arrows are signifying the work towards a common cause and the peace symbol represents the outcome. The handprint represents unity and the sunflower represents remediation. The DNA strand represents the positive outcome for all living things.”