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Water First

Interns and Alumni

Meet some of the interns and community mentors, both current and past, who have worked with Water First. Please note that not everyone wants to have their biography and photo listed here.

Click on an individual for a brief biography.

Janelle Snache

Position: Alderville First Nation
Categories: Interns

I have always had an interest in science, and just after completing my first year of a biotechnology program in college, this internship came up. During one of my courses, we briefly talked about water and wastewater treatment. I’ve always felt a connection to water. I grew up on the lake, and whenever I’m around water, I feel a sense of peace. I thought it was an interesting job I’d never really thought about. It’s also a great way to deepen the connection that I have with water and to help protect and provide clean drinking water that is essential to life for our communities.

This program is helping me create a solid foundation for a future career in water, and I’m very grateful for all the learning opportunities it has provided, the people I have got to meet and work with, and the new places we’ve got to see! 

Janelle Snache

Alderville First Nation

Josh Janiga

Position: Scugog Island First Nation
Categories: Interns

I joined the internship for a career change and to help with looking after the water. I’ve really enjoyed the various types of new jobs that are available each day. I want to help my community and protect the water for future generations.

Josh Janiga

Scugog Island First Nation

Tayden Patterson

Position: Moose Deer Point First Nation
Categories: Interns

I hope to be more knowledgeable about water treatment plants – how they work, and the different chemicals you use. I’ve really enjoyed the program so far. Great instructors who go in-depth and use real-life experiences as examples when talking about a subject. 

Being part of this internship has been great so far, with new connections being made, and new locations to see, it’s really a great opportunity to widen your knowledge and understanding of water, as well as what all goes into being an operator.

Prior to working at a water plant & joining the internship, I worked at a daycare for 3ish years, and every day during summer, the little one’s favourite activity was to go down and play along the shore, whether it be playing with boats or catching fish, frogs and snakes (mostly me with the snakes, of course).

As I was looking for a career change, a job posting popped up in my community looking for a new operator. I applied, got accepted, and a few months down the road is when I heard of Water First. I joined the Internship Program, and it’s been great ever since. I’m learning and understanding so much more, rather than reading it from a textbook. Truly a great experience!

Tayden Patterson

Moose Deer Point First Nation

Wyatt Simcoe

Position: Rama First Nation
Categories: Interns

I saw this program and thought it was a great opportunity to work but also learn and develop new skills. I love my community, I’m proud to be from Rama First Nation. Clean drinking water is so important for our communities. I feel grateful I can contribute to keeping our water safe for future generations.

Wyatt Simcoe

Rama First Nation

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Alumni graduate Amy Waboose working in her community drinking water treatment plant.