Each year, Water Canada recognizes and celebrates the achievement of people, projects, and technology that address and improve water issues in Canada through the Water’s Next Award. The Water First Internship was one of the finalists for the 2019 Water’s Next Award in the category of Projects and Technology – Drinking Water, which is one of 13 categories of awards issued.
The winners were announced at a gala evening celebration held in Collingwood, ON, on May 30, 2019, where the Water First team proudly accepted the 2019 Water Next’s Award on behalf of the Internship project partners.
You can read more about the awards program and the 2019 winners here.
Alumni update
Since graduating, the Interns have been meeting regularly to stay connected, to improve the program, and to pave the way for future interns. They recognize what a powerful experience they have had and want to support future cohorts to be even more successful.
Water First has recently implemented a Professional Development Fund, to invest in Alumni and further their professional development. Alumni have expressed an interest in using these funds to pursue further Ontario water operator certifications, attend conferences and networking events, and to complete other job relevant training.
Many of the interns have also continued their training and are achieving further certifications. This includes five individuals who completed additional drinking water certifications and another who earned his high school diploma.
Alumni have also proudly represented Water First at gatherings and conferences. Most recently, two interns presented on their personal experiences throughout the program at the Assembly of First Nations 2nd Annual Water Symposium. Interns were also represented at the 2019 Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario’s conference.
And most importantly — these graduates are providing safe clean water for their communities.
