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At every step, highly qualified and dedicated professionals are involved in our operations.

Staff Members

Water First Staff: Brenda Lapell

Brenda Lapell

Position: Digital Communications Manager
Categories: Staff

With over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, Brenda has successfully developed online marketing campaigns and strategies for a variety of non-profits. She shares her vast experience to help Water First build effective public communications initiatives.

Brenda Lapell

Digital Communications Manager

Brooke Harrison

Position: Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff

Brooke graduated from Trent University with a degree in Environmental and Earth Sciences, during this time she worked at the Peterborough Water Treatment Plant growing her interest and knowledge in clean drinking water. Before coming to Water First, Brooke worked at Georgian Bay Forever conducting research and education on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, working towards legislative change to stop microfibre pollution at the source- our washing machines. At Water First, Brooke is excited to work alongside First Nations communities who share a love for the aquatic environment. Brooke is lucky to call the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula home.

Brooke Harrison

Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator

Board of Directors

Indigenous Advisory Council

Water First does not identify as an Indigenous-led organization. As such, our Indigenous Advisory Council members provide valuable feedback on our programs and delivery in communities.

Water First FNAC: Bill Assinewai

Bill Assinewai

Categories: Indigenous Advisory Council

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

Advisors

Water First Advisor: Bob Rae

Bob Rae

Categories: Advisors

Bob Rae is a former Premier of Ontario and a former interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He now advocates for First Nations on a number of issues, including the right to safe drinking water.

Bob Rae

Ambassadors