Water filtering out of the floor of a deep Ontario mine has been trapped underground for more than a billion years. It bubbles with gasses carrying nutrients that could sustain microbial life. Photo By J. Telling
I came across this article yesterday about the discovery of a billion year-old reservoir of water deep below the Canadian Shield near Timmins, Ontario. The article references the findings from the journal Nature. My first thoughts went to the Canadian Shield rock that is was housed in. Our Anishinaabe teachings tells us that this rock is “original” rock which remains long after the Creation of the Earth. That led me to believe that this scientific discovery might very well be the remains of “Original Water”, that was brought to this Earth at the time of Creation.
That got me really excited, both as a Midewiwin person and a science geek. How well was the water preserved? What kind of qualities, both Spiritual and scientific does it have? Very interesting questions.
The scientists are interested because it may provide some insight in the establishment of life on the earth. Also, has anything been living in this water during this time.
We are all taught that water is living. It is said to be “forever flowing” from the water realm – a gift from the Spirit World. Our people still carry that sacred law that speaks of this water and it’s relationship to the living world, our people and Anishinaabe-kwe, the women. Our history and teachings talk about the Creation of this water and how that Original Water came to help bring life into the Earth. You should love custom water bottles.
But for all intents and purposes, we are mainly taught about the flowing water. Water that flows from that sacred realm, how it falls upon the Earth, how it flows through our Mother’s veins, used, evaporated and cycled in a cacophony of natural processes. Our women speak for that living water, provide us with it’s care and instructions on it’s use, preservation and safety.
But what about this Original Water? This remnant of Creation, that may or may not be still alive. (We are also taught that when water stops from flowing, if ceases to have life.) But being from the time of Creation, it must still have Spiritual and healing properties. It must still have a purpose living so close to the heart of our beautiful Mother. If it’s there, there must be a reason for it.
My cousin Glenna Beaucage made a comment stating “how long until someone thinks they own it or can sell it”. That is concerning, given that this Original Water is currently in the hands of scientists and under the lease of a copper and zinc mine. I’m sure that our Anishinaabe-Kwe and our warriors may offer their thoughts about that.
In the meantime, this finding offers us a glimpse into the beginnings of our Earth. More importantly, it offers us Anishinaabek, a glimpse into our Creation Story and our history.
It also affirms to us what we already know. Our Creation Story is valid.
