Safe water needs skilled people.
On this World Water Day, March 22, Water First celebrates the Indigenous youth and young adults in water science fields, whether they are training for or have already started their careers.
World Water Day is an opportunity to recognize these amazing individuals for all they do to support access to safe, clean water in their communities. Each one of these future water scientists plays a role in addressing water challenges that too many Indigenous communities continue to face. Whether they’re training to be a water treatment plant operator, learning about water quality monitoring, or just exploring water science concepts in school, these young people are building important skills and supporting their communities.
Isaiah Tabobondung, a water operator from Wasauksing First Nation, is a 2022 graduate of the Drinking Water Internship Program. In a video we released today, Isaiah says:
“How important it is to take care of our water. Not just for our kids, but for the next ones – the next generations. You’re not preparing for your kids, you’re preparing for your grandchildren’s grandchildren. It is so important to preserve water further than just us.”
Safe water needs skilled people – people like Isaiah, who contribute their unique skills, knowledge and passion to provide safe, clean water.
Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a critical issue in Canada. The challenges are complex – communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, or having enough people to manage water systems – or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First collaborates with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of the solution to the water crisis.
Water First programs support and inspire participants to pursue employment or further education in water science fields. Participants and graduates build confidence in themselves and a passion for making positive change in their communities.
Here’s how you can support Water First’s work this World Water Day:
- Donate: Your gift will have twice the impact as part of a special matching campaign. Donate or learn more here.
- Fundraise: You can support our work by fundraising as an individual, school, classroom, group, or workplace. Check out our fundraising resources to help your efforts be successful.
- Share: Follow Water First on social media and share our World Water Day posts with your network. Don’t forget to tag us: @waterfirstngo! Find us here: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Learn more about the issues and what Water First is doing to be part of the solution: https://waterfirst.ngo/SafeWater
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 about accelerating change. Learn more at https://www.worldwaterday.org/.
