In the dense forests near Wawa, Northern Ontario, a significant archaeological discovery has emerged following a toppled tree in 2018. Unearthed was a remarkable Nordic runestone carved into the bedrock, featuring 255 runic symbols and a detailed illustration of a boat with 16 figures and 14 mysterious Xs. This artifact, buried under soil for potentially two centuries, has intrigued archaeologists and historians, provoking numerous cultural inquiries. Researchers David Gadzala and Ryan Primrose from the Ontario Centre for Archaeological Education are currently studying this site.

Primrose, who has dedicated much of his career to understanding runestones, noted its significance for modern scholars. He expressed that this find ranks among the most unexpected of his professional experiences. The runes belong to the Futhark alphabet, commonly utilized in Scandinavia. To ensure a precise interpretation of the carvings, Primrose consulted Henrik Williams, an esteemed runologist from Uppsala University in Sweden.

During his visit, Williams meticulously examined the carvings, ultimately interpreting the runes as an old Swedish version of The Lord’s Prayer, indicating the hard work involved in creating such an elaborate representation. While the romantic notion of Viking explorers inscribing prayers in Canadian rock is captivating, both Williams and Primrose suggest that the carvings are more likely from the early to mid-1800s. Historical context points to the presence of Swedish laborers employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in remote trading posts, raising the possibility that the inscription was made by one such individual seeking connection in the wilderness. Despite these insights, numerous questions remain.

Why was this location chosen, and why this specific prayer? Moreover, was the carving hidden intentionally or merely forgotten by time? As interest in the site grows, Primrose has applied for a lease to further study and preserve the runestone, with plans for protective measures and potential public access to this evocative piece of history. The Ontario Centre for Archaeological Education has heralded the site as a valuable historical landmark with substantial tourist appeal, aiming to allow visitors to ponder this unique expression of faith in Canada’s expansive wilds.