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Considering the Barriers to Clean, Safe Water on World Water Day

March 20th, 2024

On March 22, Water First asks us to reflect on the safety of a resource many of us take for granted

Creemore, Ontario March 20, 2024 — As we approach World Water Day on March 22, Water First Education and Training Inc. wants to know what safe water means to you.

For the Creemore, Ontario-based nonprofit, safe water means continuing to collaborate with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as critical solutions to many water challenges. It means removing barriers to opportunities that may exist in other classroom models. It means building local capacity for independent and long-term water protection. It means skilled, passionate people working in their communities.

From the launch of the recent Drinking Water Internship Program with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council in Manitoba – the first such program to be implemented outside of Ontario, to the new ground-breaking Environmental Water Internship Program, Water First is dedicated to working in collaboration with Indigenous communities across Canada to support safe water sustainability.

Safe water can mean a lot of things, from the personal to the practical, and it means something different to every person in every community. For most of us, safe water means not even considering the act of turning on the tap, cooking dinner, or taking a shower. But for Indigenous communities across the country, safe water supply is at risk.

Access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities in Canada continues to be a critical issue. In Canada, 14 percent of First Nations are affected by a drinking water advisory. The challenges are complex and layered. Communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, or people to manage water systems – or more than one of these issues at a time.

Reflecting on the importance of World Water Day and raising awareness of the disproportionate effects of climate change and the number of drinking water advisories in Indigenous communities, John Millar, Water First’s Founder and Executive Director, says, “To me, safe water means the ability to feel respected because everyone should have access to safe, clean drinking water in Canada. It is disrespectful that the vast majority of people in Canada do – while far too many people in Indigenous communities do not.”

Many Indigenous communities in Canada have identified the need for more qualified, local personnel to support solving water issues. Water First training, education and internship programs, developed in collaboration with the communities in which these programs are being implemented, help ensure that there are skilled people to keep local water safe for the long term.

For Hunter Edison, a graduate of the Drinking Water Internship Program now employed as the lead operator at his community’s water treatment plant in Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation in Northwestern Ontario, safe water means that everybody in his community can turn on their tap, fill a glass of water and drink it. Thanks to his training and employment, “If any problems arise within the community they can be addressed and resolved within a timely manner with my team.”

“To me, safe water means turning on the tap and not wondering if the source of the water was safe, or considering what equipment was used by how many skilled people,” says Water First Project Manager Krysta Wordock. “Water Operators are the invisible superheroes who make safe, clean drinking water possible.”

Says Millar, “Safe water means the ability to focus on other important things in our lives like family and friends and work and school because we’re not preoccupied with trying to figure out where we’re going to get safe water from.”

For more information on Water First’s #SafeWaterMeans campaign, and for opportunities to help support programs that address water challenges in Indigenous communities across Canada, visit www.waterfirst.ngo/springcampaign.

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World Water Day is a global effort coordinated by the United Nations to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global water and sanitation crisis. This year’s theme is “Water for Peace.” Learn more at https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day.

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First):
Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training, and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 90 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science. Learn more: www.waterfirst.ngo.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-800-970-8467 ext. 106
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Water First and Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Launch New Internship Program

February 28th, 2024

Partnership marks the organization’s first skills training program to operate in Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 28, 2024 — Water First Education & Training Inc., in partnership with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) and participating communities, is proud to announce a new water treatment plant operator training program for local community members. The expansion to Manitoba marks the first Drinking Water Internship Program to operate outside of Ontario and supports Water First’s commitment to help develop these critical projects with communities across the country.

Interns from the seven Interlake Reserves Tribal Council communities will participate in the 15-month Drinking Water Internship Program to pursue valuable provincial certifications, which help trainees begin their careers in the water field. The internship launched February 12, 2024, with an Introduction Week in Pinaymootang First Nation, and will see twelve participants study safety, watersheds, water treatment and distribution, water chemistry and sampling, as well as tour the Lake St. Martin First Nation water treatment plant. This project was developed in collaboration with IRTC, with a focus on networking opportunities and sharing knowledge between the participating communities.

“Local, skilled people are critical in maintaining sustained access to clean water,” said John Millar, Executive Director of Water First. “We’re excited that the planning and collaboration with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council will result in this group pursuing further education and careers in the water sciences. We hope the success of this program leads to many more collaborative projects in Manitoba.”

Regarding the launch of the Internship, Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Chief Executive Officer, Karl Zadnik says, “On behalf of the Interlake Reserve Tribal Council, we are proud to be the first Communities in Manitoba to partner with Water First to establish a Water Treatment Internship program for our people. This opportunity will provide members of our communities with skills and training to pursue further education and certification in water and wastewater treatment, leading to a greater pool of water safety experts to serve our communities and beyond.”

During the 15-month internship program, each intern will accumulate 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in their home community water and/or wastewater treatment plants, which is a part of the certification process. As part of the program, interns pursue certification as small drinking water and small wastewater operators as well as Class 1 water treatment and wastewater treatment. Interns also round out their training with additional workshops in water quality analysis, introduction to environmental water sampling, introduction to mapping and Geographic Information Systems, as well as career readiness training.

These trainings can lead to work in both drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and environmental water careers. The Internship also encourages increased participation of women in the water sciences and offers wrap-around supports to reduce barriers to participation, including childcare services and transportation. Graduates of the program become part of the Water First Alumni Network, with access to continuing career development and education opportunities, as well as an ever-expanding professional network.

“I’m very happy to be a part of the Water First Internship. Sharing ideas and supporting each other while making those ideas become reality will be a huge boost for our respective communities and their water treatment programs,” shares Walter Spence of Peguis First Nation. “Water is sacred, it is where we began our journey in this world. Now, we are making career choices about working with water. It is a big responsibility but one we can manage by continuing to work together. I am very excited to learn what I can over the next 15 months.”

Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities in Canada continues to be a critical issue. In Canada, 14 percent of First Nations are affected by a drinking water advisory. The challenges are complex and layered. Communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, or people to manage water systems – or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First works with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of their solution to the water crisis. Safe water needs skilled people.

The IRTC Water First Internship is funded through Indigenous Services Canada, Indigenous Skills and Employment Training, and First People Development Inc., together with the support of Water First’s donors. This collaboration will support the IRTC in training future water operators and in increasing local, technical capacity and autonomy in the water management field for today and for generations to come.

This is Water First’s sixth Drinking Water Internship Program. To date, 46 interns from 31 Indigenous communities have graduated from Internship programs and logged approximately 117,000 hours working in local water plants and attending workshops.

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About Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Inc. (IRTC):
The Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Inc. consists of a partnership of seven (7) Manitoba Interlake communities working together to advance our collective well-being of members from the following communities:

Dauphin River First Nation
Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation
Lake Manitoba First Nation
Lake St. Martin First Nation
Little Saskatchewan First Nation
Peguis First Nation
Pinaymootang First Nation

Learn more at www.irtc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-800-970-8467 ext. 106
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Karl Zadnik
Chief Executive Officer
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
(204) 956-7413
info@irtc.ca

Celebrating the next generation of Indigenous water treatment plant operators looking to inspire others

September 26th, 2023

Internship graduates bring technical skills and capacity to critical water issues

Sault Ste. Marie, ON, September 26, 2023 – Graduation often marks the end of a journey. For the Indigenous youth and community members who recently completed a training program to become certified water treatment plant operators, graduation is just the beginning.

“Our time and weeks of training together will always have a spot in my heart. On graduation day, too, we look outside for inspiration to drive us forwards, but I see that inspiration right here among us,” shared valedictorian Nigel Debassige, from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation.

Last Friday, September 22, Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council and Water First Education & Training Inc. celebrated Debassige and the 11 interns who graduated from the 15-month Drinking Water Internship program for local Indigenous youth and young adults.

“Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council looks for partnerships that will enhance the communities to the highest standards possible,” said Allan Moffatt, CEO of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council. “The Water First Internship program was a ‘win-win-win opportunity.’ First Nations obtain Water Plant Operators; Tribal Council involvement with a proven training program for youth and water departments; Water First further develops their Programming with our communities. Clean, safe, potable drinking water is a fundamental need in our communities, the success of this program has enhanced our community’s capacity to meet future demand. Congratulations to our Interns who worked hard to achieve their certifications in the water industry, we are proud of your accomplishments.”

Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities in Canada continues to be a critical issue. The graduates completed the paid training program to obtain entry-level certifications required to begin their careers in water treatment. As qualified, local personnel, they bring technical skills and capacity to communities to ensure access to safe, clean drinking water for the long term.

Over the course of the program, each intern accumulated 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the water operator in training (OIT) certification process. Interns also pursued additional water operator certification exams including water quality analyst and the entry-level course for drinking water operators, as well as other technical training like GIS and water sampling which can lead to work in water treatment and the environmental water field.

Following graduation, interns join the Water First Alumni Network to stay engaged, build local networks and access opportunities for ongoing professional development and peer support.

“It’s been a pleasure seeing their confidence grow throughout the past 15 months,” said Kendra Driscoll, Senior Manager of the Drinking Water Internship at Water First. “With training and mentorship by our staff, the tribal council, and dedicated community water operators, the interns have had the opportunity to build critical skills needed to be successful water treatment plant operators. I wish them all the best for the future, and look forward to seeing them as part of the alumni network.”

The North Shore Tribal Council Drinking Water Internship Program began in June 2022, and marks the fourth successful internship program completed to date. The program was funded through the North Shore Tribal Council member First Nations employment and training program, together with the support of Water First’s donors. A fifth internship program is underway with Ogemawahj Tribal Council, and another internship is soon to be launched for the first time in Manitoba.

Water First has collaborated with 37 First Nations communities through the Drinking Water Internship, where interns have worked approximately 98,000 hours in their local water plants. To date, 46 interns have graduated from the program.

Debassige went on to share, “In the last 15 months here with Water First, I’ve seen that we don’t have to look too far for inspiration and that we each have the potential to make that inspiring contribution to others. When you leave here today, celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but look forward with an eye towards how you too can be that inspiration to others.”

In Canada, 14% of First Nations communities are affected by a drinking water advisory; in Ontario, it’s 25%. The challenges are complex and layered. Communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, or having enough trained people to manage water systems – or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First works with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of their solution to the water crisis. Safe water needs skilled people.

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About Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council:
NSTC’s mandate is to assist and facilitate the activities of the member communities of the North Shore Tribal Council. In a manner that promotes the cultural, spiritual, political, economic, environmental and social well being of the member First Nations, the Tribal Council acts to serve three primary functions:

Research, develop and deliver regionally based products and services to member communities when directed by NSTC member communities
Provide advisory services to member communities
Provide collective political support to advance the betterment of First Nations people

Learn more at: https://mamaweswen.com

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First):
Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with over 80 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science. Learn more: www.waterfirst.ngo

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-800-970-8467 ext. 106
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Allan Moffatt
Chief Executive Officer
Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council
1-877-633-7558
allanm@mamaweswen.ca

Ogemawahj Tribal Council and Water First announce new training internship for water treatment plant operators

July 13th, 2023

Partnership supports technical skills development and community capacity for water resources management

Rama First Nation, July 13, 2023 – Water First Education & Training Inc., in partnership with Ogemawahj Tribal Council (OTC) and participating communities, is pleased to announce a new water treatment plant operator training program for local Indigenous youth and young adults. Interns from five First Nations communities will participate in the 15-month paid program to pursue valuable provincial certifications, which help trainees begin their careers in the water field.

The internship kicked off in June in Rama First Nation with eight interns from communities in the Tribal Council area. During their first week, interns began with learning about and participating in a water ceremony, and then dove into learning about watersheds, water treatment processes, and math and chemistry.

One highlight of the first week was a tour of the Rama First Nation water distribution system and the drinking water treatment plant. Chad McRae, the Overall Responsible Operator, took the interns on a tour of the distribution system where they got to see the inside of a water tower. This tour gave the interns a greater understanding of underground infrastructure and the conventional water treatment steps, which interns are required to know for their tests.

“On behalf of the OTC Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome this amazing opportunity to partner with Water First to train our Nation’s members in Water Treatment. This type of expertise will provide our members with opportunities to utilize their skills in our communities and also provide a pool of skilled workers that can be utilized in any community, Ontario wide.”

Mary McCue-King, Executive Director

Ogemawahj Tribal Council

During the 15-month internship program, each intern will accumulate 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the certification process. As part of the program, interns pursue Operator in Training (OIT), Entry Level Course (ELC), and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) certifications, which, along with additional workshops like introduction to mapping and GIS, and introduction to environmental water, can lead to work in both drinking water treatment and environmental water careers.

“Local, qualified personnel are critical to ensuring sustainable access to safe water,” said John Millar, executive director at Water First. “Through the Drinking Water Internship collaboration with Ogemawahj Tribal Council, interns gain important skills and experience towards future careers in the water sciences, as well as employability skills and access to an Alumni Network. We are excited to be embarking on this partnership with Ogemawahj Tribal Council and supporting the interns on their education and employment journeys.”

The OTC Water First Internship is partly funded through Ogemawahj Tribal Council, member First Nation resources and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, together with the support of Water First’s donors. This collaboration will support the OTC in training future water operators and in increasing local, technical capacity and autonomy in the water management field, for today and for generations to come.

Water First has already successfully implemented four internship partnerships, with the fourth internship approaching graduation in the fall of 2023. To date, through Water First’s Drinking Water Internship Program, 48 interns from 31 Indigenous communities have passed their Operator in Training exams and logged approximately 81,000 hours working in local water plants and attending workshops.

Kyle Porter, an intern in the North Shore Tribal Council internship from Garden River First Nation, said, “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.”

“I initially joined the internship program because it lined up with my interest in environmental science, and for the opportunity to grow in my career and have stable employment,” said Laura Mallinson, an internship graduate from Nipissing First Nation.”The training and certifications open doors to so many opportunities. In the community, having more local people trained as water operators means we can do more preventative maintenance and daily tasks, and not just react to issues. There are more trained people who can help keep the water flowing.”

Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities in Canada continues to be a critical issue. In Canada, 14% of First Nations communities are affected by a drinking water advisory; in Ontario, it’s 25%. The challenges are complex and layered. Communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality or people to manage water systems – or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First works with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of their solution to the water crisis. Safe water needs skilled people.

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About Ogemawahj Tribal Council:

The Ogemawahj Tribal Council provides superior professional and technical services to its six member First Nations: Alderville, Beausoleil, Georgina Island, Moose Deer Point, Rama, and Scugog Island. The Board of Directors is comprised of the Chief and one Elder from each member community. The Executive Director and Board of Directors provide direction to the organization in its strategic planning, capacity and policy development. To assist in these activities, the Tribal Council maintains highly skilled technical staff to support its efforts in helping their communities to prosper. Learn more: https://www.ogemawahj.on.ca.

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First)

Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 70 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science. Learn more: www.waterfirst.ngo.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Mary McCue-King
Executive Director
Ogemawahj Tribal Council
249-385-6072
MMcCue-King@ogemawahj.on.ca

Next generation of Indigenous water treatment operators ready to support local water quality

September 27th, 2022

Partners celebrate graduates of the Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program

Toronto, September 27, 2022 – Last week, Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN), Gezhtoojig Employment & Training, Anishinabek Nation and Water First Education & Training Inc. celebrated the graduation of 14 interns from the Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program. This program is a paid internship that recruits young Indigenous adults to the drinking water field, and helps them obtain entry-level certifications required to begin their careers in water treatment. Having qualified, local personnel also supports communities in having access to safe, clean drinking water for the long term.

"Clean and safe drinking water is very important and a must for our communities. New technology and a new generation of trained individuals will enrich the communities and provide advancement and growth within. Congratulations to all of the graduates, who have demonstrated a true dedication to learning, a passion for water, and a commitment to themselves and their communities. I know they will go on to achieve more great things."

During the 15-month internship program, each intern accumulated 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the water operator in training (OIT) certification process.

Interns also pursued additional water operator certification exams including water quality analyst and the entry-level course for drinking water operators, as well as environmental relevant training like GIS and water sampling which can lead to work in both drinking water treatment and the environmental water field. Following graduation, interns join the Water First Alumni Network to stay engaged, build local networks and access opportunities for ongoing professional development and peer support.

“The Drinking Water Internship Program not only supports interns in building the skills to become water treatment plant operators — it also gives them exposure to water science as a whole and opens up an entire world of opportunity. It's been so rewarding to work with the Georgian Bay interns and see their skills and confidence increase. I wish them all the best for the future, and look forward to seeing them as part of the alumni network.”

“I’m doing this for me to have more meaningful, stable employment opportunities. I’m doing this for my family and community, who rely on water operators on reserve to provide safe, clean drinking water.”

“The Water First internship program means a lot to me, because it’s given me the opportunity to become a second-generation water operator. My mother is the Overall Responsible Operator at the Wasauksing water treatment plant, and I got to grow up watching her in the lab, doing cool stuff — and now I get to do everything side-by-side with her. The internship helped me understand what she does for the community.”

The Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program began in June 2021. Water First has already implemented two successful internship programs to date: one in partnership with the Bimose Tribal Council and 11 affiliated First Nations, and the other, a pilot, in partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and the Anishinabek Nation, on Manitoulin Island. A fourth internship program in partnership with Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council, and seven participating communities began in the summer of 2022. To date, through Water First’s Drinking Water Internship Program, 45 interns from 31 First Nations communities have passed their Operator in Training exams and worked approximately 70,000 hours in their local water plants.

The water crisis facing Indigenous communities is profound. In Canada, 18% of First Nations communities are under a drinking water advisory; in Ontario, it’s 35%. Drinking water challenges are complex — in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, while for others the main concern is source water contamination. Many communities have also identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term.

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About the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN):

WBAFN’s mandate is to provide advisory and technical services, in conjunction with local leaders, officials, and technicians, to enhance the quality of life for the members of the communities they serve.
www.wbafn.com

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First):

Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with 66 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science. Learn more:
www.waterfirst.ngo

High-resolution photos and logos available on request. For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Theresa Teddy
Executive Director
Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations
1-705-918-2710
theresa.teddy@wbafn.com

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Donate $500,000 in Support of Training, Education and Skills Development for Indigenous Youth and Young Adults

March 24th, 2022

Education and training programs co-created with Indigenous communities build capacity locally — a sustainable solution to complex water challenges.

Toronto, ON, March 24th, 2022 – Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively announce a donation to Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. in support of locally-based, hands-on skills training and education programs. Reynolds’ & Lively’s $500,000 contribution will provide resources for more young Indigenous adults to become water treatment plant operators and environmental water science technicians, as well as engage Indigenous school-aged students in water science.

“Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right. Canada is home to over 20% of the planet’s freshwater — an abundance that’s envied around the world. There’s absolutely no reason Indigenous communities should not have access to safe, clean water. All the individuals involved, whether they are operating water systems or monitoring their local water bodies, are critical. We appreciate Water First’s focus on supporting young, Indigenous adults to become certified water operators and environmental technicians. These folks are helping to ensure sustainable access to safe, clean water locally, now and for the future. Blake and I are thrilled to support this important work,“ shares Reynolds.

One of the most fundamental challenges in Canada today is the lack of sustainable access to safe, clean water in many Indigenous communities. Successive federal governments have failed to address the issue, with the likelihood of having no access to safe, clean water still far more prevalent in the lives of Indigenous Peoples, compared to non-Indigenous populations in Canada. At least 15%, or approximately one in six First Nations communities in Canada, are still under a drinking water advisory. Everyone has a right to safe, clean water. The water crisis in Indigenous communities is unacceptable.

Every community’s experience and relationship with water is unique. Due to the complexity of water challenges faced by Indigenous communities, an integrated approach involving multiple solutions is critical for long-term sustainability. Nobody understands this more than the people who live there.

Many Indigenous communities with water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water challenges. In response, Water First collaborates with community leaders to design and customize local water-focused education and training programs to align with community goals and needs, which create opportunities to attract and train young adults in the water science field. These partnerships are built on trust, meaningful collaboration and reciprocal learning.

Water First has been in discussions with Ryan and Blake since January to share more about the organization’s approach to partnering and collaborating with Indigenous communities to help increase local water-science capacity.

“From our first conversation with Ryan, his genuine interest in supporting education and training opportunities for young Indigenous adults and youth has been clear. Many Indigenous community partners are reaching out to Water First to explore options to strengthen local technical capacity in the water field. Ryan and Blake’s tremendous support will significantly increase Water First’s ability to offer hands-on skills training to more Indigenous youth and young adults from coast to coast to coast,” said John Millar, executive director and founder at Water First. “We are proud to support the steps Indigenous communities are taking to address local water challenges independently and for the long term.”

Spencer Welling, Water First intern from Wasauksing First Nation shares, “I am doing this for myself, my family and community. It’s important to know how things are done and gives you a better appreciation for it. It’s a good career to have, which I’m sure would ease my parents’ minds knowing that. It also feels good knowing that my community will have a local water treatment operator at the plant for at least a couple decades.”

Anyone interested in learning about Water First and its education and training programs can find out more at www.waterfirst.ngo.

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Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First) is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with 56 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council and Water First Announce New Training Internship for Water Treatment Plant Operators

March 21st, 2022

New Collaboration Supports Young Indigenous Adults to Become the Next Generation of Water Operators

Serpent River First Nation, March 21, 2022 – This World Water Day, Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council (NSTC), with seven member First Nations in Northern Ontario and Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. announce their partnership to deliver the NSTC Water First Internship, a drinking water treatment and environmental water science training program for young Indigenous adults. Approximately 14 interns will be recruited from seven participating First Nations communities across the tribal council’s region to pursue Operator in Training (OIT), Entry Level Course (ELC), and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) certifications, which help trainees begin their careers in the water field.

The collaboration will address the local community-identified need for the recruitment and training of more young adults to the field of water science. The comprehensive internship and certification program helps increase local, technical capacity in the water management field, not only for today, but for future generations as well.

Angus Toulouse, Mamaweswen CEO, said, “We started discussing this potential project with Water First in the fall of 2021. Today, we are excited to announce a partnership that will help recruit and train young Indigenous adults in the field of drinking water treatment. Current operators in our member communities do a terrific job with the resources available to them, and it’s recognized that more young, local operators are needed to help continue providing safe drinking water to our residents. With their focus on running local water plants, our operators are simply too busy to also design and deliver a comprehensive recruitment, training and tutoring program like the one Water First offers. Through this important partnership, we look forward to supporting the next generation of local water operators who will help protect the health and wellbeing of their communities and families.”

The NSTC Water First Internship is partly funded through North Shore Tribal Council and member First Nation program resources, together with the support of Water First’s donors. During the Internship program, commencing summer of 2022, each intern can accumulate approximately 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the certification process. Through the 15-month program, interns pursue provincial certifications, which can lead to work in both drinking water treatment and the environmental water field.

“The Internship program is designed to support young Indigenous adults to obtain the provincial water treatment certifications and experience required to become water treatment plant operators. Through a mix of locally based trainings and hands-on experience in water plants, the interns learn and apply the skills needed to perform an important role for communities in addressing local water challenges, both now and in the future. We look forward to partnering with Mamaweswen to implement this critical program,” said John Millar, executive director at Water First.

To date, Water First has successfully implemented three internship partnerships including: one in partnership with eight First Nations in the Georgian Bay area that will see interns graduate in the fall of 2022, and two completed internships with the Bimose Tribal Council and eleven affiliated First Nations, and the pilot on Manitoulin Island in partnership with seven First Nations through the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and the Anishinabek Nation.

Nathan Pamajewon, a Water First intern from Shawanaga First Nation, shares, “I believe this to be a career for myself. I’ve enjoyed all the experiences so far; that I have been given the chance to obtain greater things in life. I want to see our community grow and become the best it can be; provide the best and safe drinking water for my community, or another community that’s not mine.”

Many First Nations with drinking water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term. Indigenous communities do not receive adequate, locally based education, training and employment support when it comes to attracting and retaining young people in the water science fields. These supports are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indigenous drinking water systems.

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About Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council

NSTC’s mandate is to assist and facilitate the activities of the member communities of the North Shore Tribal Council. In a manner that promotes the cultural, spiritual, political, economic, environmental and social well being of the member First Nations, the Tribal Council acts to serve three primary functions:

Research, develop and deliver regionally based products and services to member communities when directed by NSTC member communities
Provide advisory services to member communities
Provide collective political support to advance the betterment of First Nations people

http://mamaweswen.com/

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First)

Water First is a registered Canadian charity that addresses water challenges in Indigenous communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Water First has partnered with over 55 Indigenous communities across Canada. www.waterfirst.ngo

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Ken MacLeod
Infrastructure Specialist
Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council
705-227-1259
kmacleod@mamaweswen.ca

New Funding Partnership Supports Young Indigenous Adults to Become Water Treatment Plant Operators

December 1st, 2021

Bank of America’s support to help bolster critical solutions to water challenges in Indigenous communities

Toronto, ON, December 1 – Bank of America and Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. today announced their funding partnership to support the delivery of hands-on skills training through drinking water treatment and environmental water science internships for young Indigenous adults. Bank of America is committing $1 million US over four years, which will contribute resources for more young Indigenous adults to become water treatment plant operators and support their communities to ensure safe, clean drinking water.

“Through this investment, we endeavor to connect Indigenous people to opportunities that will help them build stability and a more successful future, in addition to providing access to a life necessity,” said Gaylen Duncan, chief operating officer of Canada at Bank of America.

“The partnership with Water First allows Bank of America to play a critical role in helping to scale up talent in, and provide essential life services to, the Indigenous community. We have a long tradition of philanthropy in Canada. From supporting initiatives to promote mental health, to building homes and delivering food for the needy, we are always looking for unique and impactful ways to take our commitment to the community to the next level. This commitment to Water First is part of our efforts to advance racial equality and economic opportunity for historically marginalized communities through a $1.25 billion, five-year commitment,” Duncan added.

Discussions with Bank of America began early in 2021 as the company identified the important role that Water First’s internship graduates play in increasing water-science capacity within Indigenous communities. The support of donors makes a significant impact as Water First meaningfully collaborates with Indigenous communities to develop effective community-based solutions to address water challenges.

“Being an operator is quite the responsibility; not to be taken lightly,” shares Hunter Edison, Water First graduate from Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation. Hunter graduated from the internship in October 2021 with his operator-in-training certification. While completing his internship, he began working at the local water treatment plant in his community where he is now the senior operator. “You’re not just keeping one person safe. Or just yourself. It’s the whole community. Before this, I didn’t realize that I could fulfill such an important role for my community.”

The Water First program provides each intern with 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the certification process. Through the 15-month program, interns also pursue their water quality analyst certification, which can lead to work in both drinking water treatment and the environmental water field.

“The transformational support from Bank of America is a critical investment in Water First’s ability to serve Indigenous communities in Canada,” said John Millar, executive director and founder at Water First. “The pledge is timely, with community interest in Water First’s programs being expressed from coast to coast to coast, and we are honoured to collaborate on this four-year commitment with such passionate supporters. Together with Indigenous community partners, we will support more young Indigenous adults and communities with hands-on skills training to ensure sustainable access to safe, clean drinking water – both now and for the future.”

Many First Nations with drinking water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term. Indigenous communities do not receive adequate education, training and employment supports when it comes to attracting and retaining young people in the water science fields. These supports are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indigenous drinking water systems.

Indigenous communities are encouraged to reach out to Water First to learn more about the Drinking Water Internship and the other water education and training programs the organization delivers.

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Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First) is a registered Canadian charity that addresses water challenges in Indigenous communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with 56 Indigenous communities across Canada to inspire Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science.

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. In Canada, the company provides investment banking, equity and debt trading, and research products and services to institutional, corporate and government clients.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

New Indigenous Water-Operators-in-Training Announced by Bimose Tribal Council and Water First

October 12th, 2021

Internship Graduates Ensure Clean Water for Their First Nations Communities Despite the Pandemic

Toronto, October 12, 2021 – Bimose Tribal Council in northwestern Ontario and Canadian charity Water First are pleased to announce that on Friday, 11 interns of their drinking water internship program for young Indigenous adults have graduated. Of the cohort, 91% are now water operators in training (OIT), having earned their OIT certification. Graduates of the internship program are from ten participating First Nations communities across the Bimose Tribal Council region, and are supporting their communities to ensure clean drinking water.

“The grit that the interns demonstrated throughout the pandemic has been truly impressive,” said Jag Saini, project manager and instructor with Water First. “Their ability to adapt is what stood out, especially learning new content virtually, which was originally designed as an in-person, hands-on program,” he added.

The first six months of the project, beginning in 2020, were to consist of in-person workshops, hands-on projects, and a solid exam date at a predetermined location. Instead, while waiting for pandemic restrictions to lift, the interns situated themselves in front of computers in hotel rooms separate from one another, yet just close enough to be able to gain tech support should they need it during “in-person, virtual training” workshops. Water First was also able to secure the final OIT exam location close to where the interns were located, instead of the interns having to travel extensively to take their exams.

Interns, community members and Water First staff gather during training session, summer 2021.

Water First Interns use water testing equipment during hands-on learning sessions.

These and other unconventional support structures have made all the difference in generating “a-ha moments” for the interns, which have been instrumental in such a high achievement rate. Strategies for learning the material in a variety of different ways have also been key to success. This new, blended model of virtual and onsite learning will influence the program for future cohorts.

Adam Peacock, technical services officer at Bimose Tribal Council, has been working with Water First for two years. He noted about the program, “The time, effort, and persistence has been remarkable. Our communities’ needs have been fulfilled at Bimose and I hope that other communities take advantage.”

In the late summer, as pandemic restrictions lifted, the interns provided meaningful support to water treatment plants in their communities, performing readings and samplings to offload some of the work throughout the term of their placements. In one instance, when the only operator had to take a sick day, the intern was able to keep the plant running, providing clean water to the community. In another, the plant’s sole operator has been thinking of retirement yet had no replacement until the internship. In both cases, these new operators in training are now mentoring other interns.

“They are heroes without capes,” said Jon Kocis, hub manager at Bimose Tribal Council. “The importance of the water treatment role is critical, and it’s often overlooked. It isn’t as glamorous as the role of paramedics or police officers, but without it, communities would be in crisis just the same,” Kocis explained.

Graduate Nathan Copenace, from Washagamis Bay First Nation, is committed to protecting his community’s water from contamination and learning more about how his community can develop their own source water protection plans.
“I found out why it was so important to understand what a water treatment plant operator is. They don’t just make clean water – but water for emergencies like fires,” he said.

“I am in the program to learn how to treat and provide safe drinking water to my community,” said graduate Kim Greene of Iskatewizaagegan 39 (Shoal Lake 39). “Water is sacred in my culture, and very important to the giving of life to all things. I especially want to provide safe drinking water to my daughter and mother, as well as my fellow community members,” she added.

The OIT certification, issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, is the first step in becoming a fully certified water treatment plant operator. Graduates have spent the last 12 months gaining 1,800 hours of water plant experience and completing the entry-level course, in partnership with Walkerton Clean Water Centre, in preparation for their level-one certification exam.

Funded in part by both Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Water First donors, Bimose Tribal Council and Water First began the full 18-month project in February 2020, on the heels of a successful pilot project between Water First and seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Together with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong First Nation, and Anishinabek Nation, the partners trained ten young Indigenous adults in drinking water and environmental water management. Within weeks of graduating, seven out of ten interns secured work in their local water treatment plants or in the environmental water field, and one graduate pursued further water studies at college.

Many First Nations with drinking water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term. Indigenous communities do not receive adequate education, training or employment supports when it comes to attracting and retaining young people in the water science fields. These supports are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indigenous drinking water systems.

About Water First Education & Training Inc.
Water First is a registered Canadian charity that addresses water challenges in Indigenous communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Water First has partnered with 56 Indigenous communities in Canada.
www.waterfirst.ngo

About the Bimose Tribal Council
The Bimose Tribal Council has eight member First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario and is based out of Kenora, Ontario. The name Bimose comes from the Anishinaabe word “to walk” and was given by an elder as a reminder to “always walk with all our Member First Nations.”
www.bimose.ca

For more information, please contact:
Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

Adam Peacock
Technical Services Officer
Bimose Tribal Council
1-807-464-2783
apeacock@bimose.ca

Inspiring Indigenous Students to Become Future Water Scientists

July 26th, 2021

Students from Beausoleil First Nation and Sagamok First Nation explore watershed health and water quality.

Toronto, ON – July 26th, 2021 – World Nature Conservation Day (July 28th) underscores the need for more opportunities to empower Indigenous youth to cultivate interest in and develop a passion for, water science. With a Seed grant of $71,700 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Water First has been inspiring and engaging Indigenous students to become future water scientists. Through consultation with Indigenous community partners, Water First has delivered a series of in-person and virtual conservation workshops to explore watershed health and water quality through experiential and project-based learning.

Recognizing the grant, Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin stated, “I am quite excited to observe the stages of this outstanding initiative moving forward. I have long admired the understanding, respect and connection that Indigenous Elders have passed down to youth throughout the ages. We all must understand that water-is-life. Knowing that there is support for our youth to be educated and encouraged to step up and take an active role is truly outstanding.” MPP Mantha explained that “by ensuring Ontarians will always have access to a healthy and sustainable source of clean water, it gives all of us reason for hope for a better future.”

Students from Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School headed onto their lands to apply knowledge gained through Water First workshops by taking water samples from a hand-drilled hole in the ice to learn about lake water characteristics.

The OTF grant’s impact is tremendous in the community with the organization delivering over six weeks of in-person and virtual water science programming to 120 students from Christian Island Elementary School in Beausoleil First Nation and Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School in Sagamok First Nation. From November 2019 to March 2021, Indigenous students had the opportunity to learn about hydrology and watershed ecology while further developing their relationships with water and their lands.

“Even before the first workshop, we were really excited with all of the breadth of learning resources that were provided,” shared Lindsay Lefebvre, grade six teacher at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School. “Water First delivered a great program in a challenging time to deliver engaging learning experiences.”

Certified educators at Water First have developed programs that create opportunities for students to strengthen their relationships with the environment, and to foster a love of education and water science. Designed for learners from kindergarten to grade 12, Water First delivers hands-on STEM workshops that explore local curriculum-based water science concepts. Students spend time on the land and in the classroom exploring a broad range of water quality factors, including any specific local water health concerns and relevant Traditional Ecological Knowledge. They also learn about the role they can play, as students and as young professionals, in protecting their water resources.

Through virtual delivery including hands-on STEM resources shipped to the community, Water First educators Adrianna Bilinski and Dillon Koopmans train students from Christian Island Elementary School on how to use water quality testing tools.

“With the underrepresentation of Indigenous youth voices in the water sciences here in Canada and the water challenges faced by many of these communities, it is critical that we offer Indigenous students the most impassioned, empowering, thorough and exciting water science education learning opportunities possible,” said Dillon Koopmans, Water First Educational Programs Manager.

Indigenous communities and schools are encouraged to reach out to Water First to learn more about our Indigenous School Water Program.

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The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

For more information, please contact:

Ami Gopal
Director of Development and Communications
Water First
1-905-805-0854
ami.gopal@waterfirst.ngo

New Training Internship for Water Treatment Plant Operators

December 3rd, 2020

Next Generation of Indigenous Water Treatment Workers Are Finding Solutions Through Training in Water Trades and Sciences.

Toronto, December 3, 2020 – The Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN), a tribal council with six member First Nations in northern Ontario, and Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. announce their partnership to deliver a drinking water treatment and environmental water science internship program for young Indigenous adults. Approximately 12 interns will be recruited from six participating First Nations communities across the tribal council’s region to pursue Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) certifications.

Together, WBAFN and Water First will address local needs for more young and qualified personnel in the water management field to help ensure safe drinking water in communities, not only for today, but for future generations as well.

Above: Interns Sunny Payash and Georgina McLeod working together and measuring water quality parameters at the beach at Anicinabe park in Kenora during Environmental Water week.

Right: Jeremy Ledoux Redsky learning how to do titration to measure alkalinity in the water during the Entry Level Course (ELC) week at Seven Generations, Kenora.

Above: Interns Sunny Payash and Georgina McLeod working together and measuring water quality parameters at the beach at Anicinabe park in Kenora during Environmental Water week.

Below: Jeremy Ledoux Redsky learning how to do titration to measure alkalinity in the water during the Entry Level Course (ELC) week at Seven Generations, Kenora.

Left: Water First intern Aaron Keeper in the foreground, taking notes during the tutorials prior to taking the Operator-In-Training (OIT) exam. In the background, interns can be seen at their desks, while complying with new health and safety features implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Above: Water First intern Aaron Keeper in the foreground, taking notes during the tutorials prior to taking the Operator-In-Training (OIT) exam. In the background, interns can be seen at their desks, while complying with new health and safety features implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Waabnoong Bemjiwang Internship is funded through a partnership with the Anishinabek Nation, a regional Indigenous organization with 39 member First Nations across Ontario, and with the support of Water First’s donors. Under the internship program, each intern will accumulate 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the certification process. Through the 15-month program, interns will also pursue their water quality analyst certification, which can lead to work in both drinking water treatment and the environmental water field.

Irvin George, executive director of the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations said, “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Water First and we welcome the support they bring to our member communities’ efforts to provide safe drinking water to residents. Existing water treatment staff are doing a great job with available resources, and at the same time we all acknowledge the need for more young people to enter the water field. We’re hopeful that the successes Water First has had in its previous training partnerships can be repeated here, to help the next generation of local water experts safeguard their communities’ health and well-being.”

“This critical internship program is designed to support and empower young Indigenous adults to enter the field of water science and obtain industry recognized certifications. With hands-on experience and customized training, the interns will have an important role to play in addressing local water challenges, now and in the future. We look forward to supporting their journey in partnership with the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations,” said John Millar, executive director at Water First.

Discussion about the Waabnoong Bemjiwang training project began in 2019. Water First has implemented two successful internships to date: one that is nearly complete, in partnership with the Bimose Tribal Council and 11 affiliated First Nations, and the other, a pilot, in partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and the Anishinabek Nation, on Manitoulin Island.

“[I’m] learning a lot of things I didn’t know about – source water protection and everything that goes with it. [Water First is] teaching a lot of things that a community needs for clean water,” shares Nathan Copenance, Water First Intern from Washagamis Bay First Nation.

“Clean water to me means life and health,” shares Jonas Esquega, Water First Intern from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. “I’m very glad for this opportunity that was given to me, which helps provide clean water to this community that I’m part of.”

Many First Nations with drinking water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term. Indigenous communities do not receive adequate education, training and employment supports when it comes to attracting and retaining young people in the water science fields. These supports are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indigenous drinking water systems.

– 30 –

About the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN)

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First)

Water First is a registered Canadian charity that addresses water challenges in Indigenous communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Water First has partnered with over 50 Indigenous communities across Canada. www.waterfirst.ngo

For more information, please contact:

John Millar
Executive Director, Water First
1-705-994-3456
john@waterfirst.ngo

Jen Atkinson
Director of Operations, Water First
1-905-251-1109
jen.atkinson@waterfirst.ngo

Irvin George
Executive Director, Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations
1-705-562-0295
irvin.george@wbafn.com

Bimose Tribal Council & Water First Announce New Internship

March 11th, 2020

Next Generation of Indigenous Water Treatment Workers Are Finding Solutions Through Training in Water Trades and Sciences

Toronto, October 12, 2021 – The Bimose Tribal Council in northwestern Ontario and Canadian charity Water First Education & Training Inc. announce their partnership to deliver a drinking water treatment and environmental water management internship program for young Indigenous adults. Fourteen interns have been recruited from ten participating First Nations communities across the Bimose Tribal Council region, to address water challenges through the pursuit of Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) certifications.

Funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the Bimose Tribal Council received approval for the first six months of the full 18-month project. With full ISC funding, each intern will accumulate 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a requirement for them to become level-one operators. Through the 18-month program, interns will also pursue their water quality analyst certification, which can lead to work in both water treatment and the environmental water field.

“Regardless of whether this is an intern’s first job, or their previous job was at the local gas station, this training program is designed to support and empower young Indigenous adults to become certified drinking water operators and environmental water professionals,” Water First’s executive director John Millar said.

Above: The new group of Bimose interns sample lake water together with Bimose and Water First staff, and previous program graduates.

Right: Jamie-Lee Parenteau, of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, learning about water filtration at the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation water treatment plant.

Above: The new group of Bimose interns sample lake water together with Bimose and Water First staff, and previous program graduates.

Below: Jamie-Lee Parenteau, of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, learning about water filtration at the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation water treatment plant.

Phil Tangie of the Bimose Tribal Council said, “Bimose’s communities appreciate the emphasis on training young people. Staff at the water treatment plants are doing a great job with the resources they have, but we need more young people entering the water field. By partnering with Water First and the internship program, we’re able to address this challenge directly. It’s going really well so far, and we hope funding for the program will continue.”

The Bimose project began in February 2020, on the heels of a successful pilot project between Water First and seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Together with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong First Nation, and Anishinabek Nation, the partners trained ten young Indigenous adults in drinking water and environmental water management. Within weeks of graduating, eight out of ten interns secured work in their local water treatment plants or in the environmental water field; one graduate pursued further water studies at college.

Amy Waboose, from Whitefish River First Nation, is a graduate of the Water First internship program and now works at her local water treatment plant. “I came here for a job and ended with a career,” said Amy. “This training program changed my life and if the next group of interns works hard and sticks with it, it could change their lives too,” she added. Amy and her co-graduate, Paige Manitowabi from Wiikwemkoong First Nation, attended the first day of training with the new group of interns in Kenora and assured the students that they have been in their shoes before, and with some support and determination, they too can succeed at becoming water professionals.

Many First Nations with drinking water challenges have identified the need for more young, qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the longer term. Indigenous communities do not receive adequate education, training and employment supports when it comes to attracting and retaining young people in the water science fields. These supports are critical in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indigenous drinking water systems.

About Water First Education & Training Inc.
Water First is a registered Canadian charity that addresses water challenges in First Nations communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Water First has partnered with over 50 First Nations in Canada.
www.waterfirst.ngo

For more information, please contact:

John Millar
Executive Director
Water First
1-705-994-3456
john@waterfirst.ngo

Jen Atkinson
Director of Operations
Water First
1-905-251-1109
jen.atkinson@waterfirst.ngo

Phil Tangie
Water Hub Manager
Bimose Tribal Council
1-807-468-7770
ptangie@bimose.ca

Indigenous youth graduate from Water First Internship Program

August 30th, 2018

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Manitoulin Island – Ten Indigenous youth were honoured this morning for successfully completing the Water First Internship Program at a graduation ceremony held on the powwow grounds of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation.

“We are very proud of the graduates, who have studied and worked hard since early 2017 to obtain certification in drinking water treatment and environmental water quality monitoring,” said Water First executive director John Millar.

“These young women and men have shown incredible passion and commitment to building sustainable water systems in our communities, and today we honour that passion and commitment,” said Kevin Debassige, technical services manager for the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCMM).

The Water First Internship provides hands-on training and work experience in water treatment and environmental monitoring to Indigenous youth in their communities, leading to certification as a Water Quality Analyst and Operator-in-Training. These certifications are requirements to sample and test water and to begin to work as a water treatment plant operator.

The Internship was developed in collaboration with UCCMM, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and the Union of Ontario Indians, and delivered in seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island.

– 30 –

For interviews:

John Millar
Executive Director, Water First
705-994-3456

Kevin Debassige
Technical Services Manager, UCCMM
705-368-6221

About Water First

Water First is a registered Canadian charity and Canada’s leading NGO dedicated to addressing water challenges in Indigenous communities through training, education and meaningful collaboration.

Canadian water nonprofit Tin Roof Global becomes WATER FIRST to reflect commitment to First Nations water solutions

September 6th, 2016

Toronto, September 6th, 2016 — Seven years after its birth as a nonprofit providing clean water to remote schoolhouses in rural Uganda, Tin Roof Global has changed its name to Water First, reflecting its growing commitment to working with First Nations communities solving water challenges here in Canada.

“After starting Tin Roof to address a Ugandan issue, I began to be asked about water in this country,” said John Millar, founder and executive director of the Creemorebased NGO. “People pointed out that you don’t have to travel across an ocean to find a water crisis, you can just drive up the 400.”

In early 2013, Tin Roof Global began working with Shawanaga First Nation on a water project. Its wells dry, Shawanaga had been trucking in water from neighbouring Parry Sound for six years. Tin Roof, a small organization at the time, formed a threeway partnership with the First Nation and Murray Richardson, a professor and hydrologist at Carleton University, to secure Health Canada Funding for the work.

The project: Train two young adults from Shawanaga on water sampling techniques so that the First Nation could find a surface water source, in a river or lake nearby, for its future water treatment plant. The water underground had seemingly dried up. Additional wells had been drilled to no avail. The only alternative was to turn to surface water.

The funding application submitted by Tin Roof, Richardson and Shawanaga First Nation was ranked first place in a competitive national funding round. How did a small nonprofit, a marginalized First Nation and a junior professor accomplish such a feat?

“Believing that the ability to solve the problem was in the First Nation was key,” said Millar. Instead of hiring outsiders to come and test the water, they hired and trained locally. One of the two local youth went on to work in the field of water science, most recently as a hydrogeological assistant for an MTOfunded project near Shawanaga First Nation. A participant in Tin Roof’s second project at Temagami First Nation applied to a water treatment plant operators program.

“These young people are the future,” said Millar. “Indigenous youth are dramatically underrepresented in the sciences. By increasing the understanding of water in First Nations youth, we can help them become interested to learn more and develop skills that are essential to solving the myriad of water challenges faced by their communities.”

Water education and training programs in First Nations communities have never been more important. It’s welldocumented that approximately one in five First Nations in Canada are under a boil water advisory, with stories of broken equipment and insufficient local expertise to operate and maintain treatment plants all too common.

Three and a half years after its first project in Shawanaga, Tin Roof has developed collaborative relationships with over 25 First Nations in Ontario and Quebec. The organization’s First Nations water initiatives now account for 85 per cent of its program activities.

Failing water treatment plants can surely be fixed, but without an investment in education and training they’ll need to be fixed again. The Water First program increases water science skills locally so that First Nations communities can solve their water problems themselves, now and in the future.

“It’s about more than just drinking water, it’s about community independence and sustainability,” said Millar. “Increased knowledge about water science can lead to communities that are healthier and more independent. You can’t have autonomy or a good quality of life if you don’t have your own safe, clean drinking water.”

Back in 2013, Tin Roof’s fledgling First Nations program was called Water First. On September 6, 2016, Tin Roof Global is officially changing its name to Water First Education and Training, to better reflect the overwhelming First Nations emphasis of its water initiatives. The organization is working with its nonprofit partners in Uganda to hand over its operations abroad, in order to fully focus on the important work that needs to be done right here at home. With 20 percent of First Nations communities in Canada under a boil water advisory, there’s much to be done, and the time is now.

For further comment, please contact:

John Millar, Founder & Executive Director
john@waterfirst.ngo

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Press Release

Considering the Barriers to Clean, Safe Water on World Water Day

On March 22, Water First asks us to reflect on the safety of a resource many of us take for granted

Water First and Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Launch New Internship Program

Partnership marks the organization’s first skills training program to operate in Manitoba

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Internship graduates bring technical skills and capacity to critical water issues

Ogemawahj Tribal Council and Water First announce new training internship for water treatment plant operators

Partnership supports technical skills development and community capacity for water resources management

Next generation of Indigenous water treatment operators ready to support local water quality

Partners celebrate graduates of the Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Donate $500,000 in Support of Training, Education and Skills Development for Indigenous Youth and Young Adults

Education and training programs co-created with Indigenous communities build capacity locally — a sustainable solution to complex water challenges.

Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council and Water First Announce New Training Internship for Water Treatment Plant Operators

New Collaboration Supports Young Indigenous Adults to Become the Next Generation of Water Operators

New Funding Partnership Supports Young Indigenous Adults to Become Water Treatment Plant Operators

Bank of America’s support to help bolster critical solutions to water challenges in Indigenous communities

New Indigenous Water-Operators-in-Training Announced by Bimose Tribal Council and Water First

Internship Graduates Ensure Clean Water for Their First Nations Communities Despite the Pandemic

Inspiring Indigenous Students to Become Future Water Scientists

Students from Beausoleil First Nation and Sagamok First Nation explore watershed health and water quality.

New Training Internship for Water Treatment Plant Operators

Next Generation of Indigenous Water Treatment Workers Are Finding Solutions Through Training in Water Trades and Sciences.

Bimose Tribal Council & Water First Announce New Internship

Next Generation of Indigenous Water Treatment Workers Are Finding Solutions Through Training in Water Trades and Sciences

Indigenous youth graduate from Water First Internship Program

Canadian water nonprofit Tin Roof Global becomes WATER FIRST to reflect commitment to First Nations water solutions

Strong communities. Safe, clean water.

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