The NWMO uncovers the stories that old rocks are telling us

 

Old Rock Day was recognized on January 7th to encourage people to learn about the Earth’s history through rocks and to celebrate the western scientists and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers who help us understand what these rocks are telling us.

Both western science and Indigenous Knowledge rely on the rocks (grandfathers) to pass on generational knowledge to inform the NWMO’s work.

Indigenous peoples have a deep connection to the rock and the water that exists within it. Rocks have a spirit and story to tell, and it is our responsibility to listen and gain a deeper understanding of the memory they hold.

“Within Indigenous worldview, the rocks are referred to as grandfathers. This is a way of describing the generational knowledge they carry. In the context of geoscience, the NWMO’s approach to site characterization activities has been expanded by the knowledge that both western science and Indigenous Knowledge rely on the rocks (grandfathers) to pass on that knowledge and inform the NWMO’s work,” said Jessica Perritt, Section Manager, Indigenous Knowledge & Reconciliation.

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