b'AdvertorialWater Has a Story to Tell and it is Important for the NWMO to ListenThe NWMO is doing extensive work to better understand water deep underground at potential repository sites.We are studying the water and rock deep underground at potential sites to confirm that water at this depth is old and has remained isolated from the surface for long periods of time. We need to listen and learn from the water within the rock to better understand this story of the rock and its ability to safely store used nuclear fuel.We are fortunate because now we have a deeper under-standing of the special spiritual relationship that Indigenous communities have with the land, said Mahrez Ben Belfad-Elder Donna Augustine, Chair of the Council of Elders andhel, former Vice-President of Site Selection at the NWMO. Youth, independent advisory body for the Nuclear WasteWe also understand that this rock is not just a piece of Management Organization (NWMO) talks about the impor- rock like we used to think, like I used to think. This rock tance of water.represents the Grandfathers. The Grandfathers have a sto-Water is the most life sustaining gift on Mother Earthry to tell. It is our responsibility to listen carefully, respectful-and is the interconnection among all living beings. Waterly, to understand that story.sustains us, flows between us, within us, and replenish- Access to and preservation of this natural resource is es us. Water comes in many forms and is the well-beingparticularly top-of-mind to Indigenous peoples who have of all Creation. Water shapes the land and gives us thetravelled by and been sustained by these waters since great gifts of the rivers, lakes, oceans, and the life water oftime immemorial.women that we all come from, said Elder Donna Augus-tine, Chair of theCouncil of Elders and Youth, independentIt is also vital that the NWMO understands the special advisory body for the Nuclear Waste Management Orga- relationship that women have with water as life givers and nization (NWMO). It is important that the NWMO under- the need for women to be involved in any work the NWMO stands and considers these teachings as it implements ais doing in relation to water, said Elder Augustine.project that may have an impact on that water that we allLearning togetherrely on for life.Drawing on this knowledge and wisdom, combined with It is significant for the NWMO to understand those essen- knowledge from environmental geoscientists, international tial voices to protect our waterwayssomething we alland scientific communities, and local community members share and will continue to do so for many generations. in potential siting areas, is enhancing the NWMOs under-At the NWMO, we are committed to working with commu- standing on how the deep geological repository project will nities, including Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, to pro- impact water.vide long-term safety and protection of the environment,It is imperative that we learn from each other and work including precious water resources. In fact, this is at thetogether to ensure the NWMOs work is guided by the very heart of Canadas plan to construct adeep geolog- responsibility to protect people and the environment for ical repository a network of underground tunnels andfuture generations. The NWMO continues to work closely placement rooms designed to safely contain and isolatewith all those impacted by the project and will not proceed Canadas used nuclear fuel for the long term. without an informed and willing host area for our deep geological repository.So how does water work, and what is it telling us?The water we interact with day-to-daythe water that we drink, the water that rains down on usis governed by the water cycle. Water evaporates, rises into the atmosphere, and rains back down, renewing the cycle. Most of this takes place above, on, and just below the surface.'