Interns and Alumni

Kacie is an Algonquin from Kebaowek First Nation. She has an Environmental Technician diploma from Canadore College. She heard about the fish habitat restoration project from her dad and decided to apply because as an environmentalist she is passionate about protecting mother nature. “The earth is what brings everyone together, it keeps us connected. We will not have a society if we continue to destroy the environment. We are a part of the earth, and the earth is a part of us.”

Kacie enjoyed working on the restoration project because she was able to implement the theory and tools that she learned in school while learning about walleye habitat and how to restore and protect it. She said that the knowledge gained has helped her understand the impact road construction and other forestry activities can have on the watershed and water quality.

In the future, Kacie wants to engage with community members to bring awareness and show that the youth care. Youth want to fix the damage from the past and make the Land start healing again. “It is extremely important for me to protect our traditional rights and lands. There was a time when we didn’t need all of these resources to survive. I know that times have drastically changed, but I am a firm believer that we can live in balance with contemporary times.”

“Before starting the Water First Internship Program, I was working at the school in Dokis and spending my time outdoors, going on adventures, watching movies, playing video games and hanging out with my cousins. I saw the posting on Facebook and thought that I should give it a shot. I also wanted to help the local water treatment plant operator, as she is the only one working there, and it can be pretty hard to do everything by yourself. 

My relationship with water is pretty good, in my opinion. I love everything about it – how it moves, what it can do to things, and just how different looking it can be. We haven’t experienced water challenges in a while; once, we had diesel leak into our water plant we had to go get water bottles to hand out to the community every week so that everyone is good and safe.

I’m doing this for my shoomis (grandfather). He always taught how to treat the water and what it can do to help with traditional teachings. Water is one of the most important things that was taught to us when we were younger. He passed away in April of 2020, and his native name was ‘the water that comes back’.

I’ve learned a lot about how the water works, and how to control everything in the water plant. If anything goes wrong I know what to do and who to call. After graduating from the program, I am hoping i’ll be able to work here at the water plant in Dokis or find a water plant somewhere in town or far away. Just see where life takes me, one step at a time.”

Previous to being enrolled in the Internship Program, I was working part-time and looking for a position preferably in the natural resource/environmental field. Being outside is a big interest of mine, and I enjoy a variety of activities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, travelling, and camping. 

I came across the posting for the internship through social media and knew from that moment that this was an opportunity I had to seize. I joined because I was seeking an opportunity to become involved in my community, and also to learn new skills. Personally, I find that being able to contribute to the community I belong to brings me closer to my family and friends.

After the program is complete, I hope to still be involved in water treatment for my community. I’d also like to branch out and gain new insight into other community challenges regarding treatment methods. I have learned a lot of new skills and information from participating in this internship and look forward to continuing this learning journey!