Water is a life force that sustains us, flows between us, and shapes the land. Protecting water, people and the environment is a priority we share with Canadians and Indigenous peoples.
The entire purpose of Canada's plan – the reason we are investing time, effort and money to implement it – is to protect people and the environment, including water.
Throughout our work, we have learned water is a great teacher. When we follow where the water flows, we get hints of history.
For example, the borehole drilling in South Bruce and Ignace and area is teaching us more about traces of water deep underground in the cracks and spaces in the soil, sand and rock. This will help us verify that the geology is a good choice for a deep geological repository.
By studying water on the surface in lakes and rivers, we’re learning more about how water flows and interacts with the surrounding environment so that we always ensure to respect and protect it.
And, by interweaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science, listening to Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, scientists, conservation authorities, industry professionals, youth and others we are constantly learning about water including the sacred and spiritual relationship Indigenous peoples, especially Indigenous women, have with water and that their voice is integral to water protection.