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Guiding voices in our work
Water First does not identify as an Indigenous-led organization. As such, our Board of Directors, advisory council and roundtable members provide valuable feedback on our programs and delivery in communities. The Indigenous members of the Board and Advisory Councils provide valuable direction and feedback that ensures our work aligns with the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We thank the Elders, water specialists, educators, and community members who play an essential role in guiding Water First through our continued growth.
Indigenous Advisory Council

Bill Assinewai
Bill Assinewai is the Technical Services Manager in his home community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. As the Technical Services Manager, Bill has worked on various initiatives and programs including the construction of a new water treatment plant. Bill was an important advisor and partner of the first Water First Internship on Manitoulin Island.

Bill Assinewai

Ogamauh annag qwe, B.Sc., MEM
Ogamauh annag qwe is crane clan born and raised in Garden River First Nation. She has worked extensively with First Nation communities for the last 26 years in environmental related fields. She sits on council in Garden River First Nation and is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Environmental Science at York University with a focus on N’be Kendaaswin (Water Knowledge). Sue has worked with Elders for the last 26 years documenting their knowledge and currently works with the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Elders from the Huron Treaty area.

Ogamauh annag qwe, B.Sc., MEM

Jean Marie Colbourn
Jean Marie Colburn is currently a retired teacher, supplying in her community at Shawanosowe Elementary School. Jean is originally from Whitefish River First Nation and has taught in numerous Indigenous schools across the province, from James Bay to Georgian Bay. She has been a member of Water First’s Indigenous Advisory Council since 2017.

Jean Marie Colbourn

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, CM
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, CM, is an Anishinaabe community worker from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. She has dedicated decades of her life to raising the status of Indigenous women in Canada and has helped build strong support systems for women as a founding member and president of many organizations, including the Ontario Native Women’s Association and the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Jeannette received the Order of Canada in 2018.

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, CM

James Simon Mishibinijima
One of Canada’s foremost artists, Mishibinijima has created a unique body of artwork in North America and overseas. Mishibinijima began painting in his community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and over the years he has been awarded many first and best of show awards at international art exhibitions. He has also developed curriculum materials for First Nation schools and continues to develop teachings to guide people to a positive future.

James Simon Mishibinijima

Naomi Mandamin
Naomi is from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. She has a background in Chemical Engineering Technology, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the Environmental field. Naomi graduated from the Water First Internship pilot program and currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Indigenous Advisory Council for Water First.

Naomi Mandamin
Multi-Regional Roundtable

Bill Assinewai

Bill Assinewai

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, CM

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, CM

Katy Thorne
Katy Thorne, a member of the ‘Na̱mg̱is Nation in Alert Bay, BC, resides in the Traditional Territory of the Secwepemcúl’ecw. She first started her journey as a Water Operator in 2019 when she graduated with a Diploma in Water and Wastewater Technology at Thompson Rivers University. Her efforts as an operator were recognized when she received the 2024 National First Nations Water Leadership Award. She continues to advocate for Indigenous communities while she develops partnerships. Katy is also a hockey fanatic. Not only is she President of the Kamloops Women’s Rec Hockey League, she also plays, officiates, and coaches in BC.

Katy Thorne

Devin Meneen
Devin Meneen is a dedicated water and wastewater systems specialist with over two decades of experience supporting First Nations communities in Alberta. His journey began in 1999 as the water operator for his home community of North Tallcree (Tallcree First Nation), within Treaty 8 territory of northern Alberta, where he developed a foundational understanding of the critical need for safe, reliable water and wastewater systems.
Devin is level II certified an all four area’s of water & wastewater and for more than 19 years, Devin has served with Alberta’s First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group through the Circuit Rider Training Program. In this role, he dedicates himself to building long-term capacity by training and mentoring operators, coordinating program delivery, and providing hands-on support to communities managing their centralized water and wastewater systems.
At the heart of Devin’s work is a passion for creating opportunities for operators to succeed—through on-site training, certification preparation, and fostering networks for knowledge sharing. His career is driven by a deep commitment to community and sustainability.
“It all comes down to a simple principle: every child and family should have dependable access to clean water. That’s the commitment that guides my work every day.”


