Women Making Waves
Celebrating 5 Female-Led Partnerships at Water First
This International Women’s Day, Water First honours the many remarkable women who continuously bring their expertise and collaborative approaches into each partnership, and whose work with Water First informs, inspires, and engages.
Across cultures, women are water carriers, protectors and guardians, embodying roles that sustain not only their communities, but the environment – and these women are no exception.
1.
Meet the women engaging Indigenous youth through alternative education pathways
Catherine Melillo, Sarah Allemang, Adrianna Bilinski, and Tanya Sackney (clockwise starting top left), are the women behind Water First’s Summer Credit Program, a massive part of the work done by our Schools department.
Through hands-on, experiential outdoor learning that takes place in a non-traditional classroom setting, these dedicated women support Indigenous students to explore water sciences and gain valuable high school credits, paving the way for future generations of leaders in water science.
2.
Meet the women monitoring climate change for the next generation
In 2022, Water First began a partnership with Brunswick House First Nation (BHFN) to support the community’s goal of better understanding the effects of climate change on their territory. Cory Girard (left), Project Manager at Water First, began supporting a climate monitoring team to learn field and data collection skills.
This team is led by BHFN local, Santana Vanbuskirk (right), who has presented the BHFN monitoring program at Magnetawan First Nation’s Indigenous Lands and Resources Management conference and at Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s climate change workshop led by Water First.
3.
Meet the women supporting new opportunities for water operator training in Manitoba
Water First recently launched its first Drinking Water Internship Program outside of Ontario, in collaboration with the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council in Manitoba. Jacey Bonertz, Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator at Water First, has dedicated her efforts over the past year to tailoring the program’s training materials to meet Manitoba’s provincial standards.
Along with Sam Cunningham, also a Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator, these two women are leading the delivery of this internship, which has already seen a successful first week. This partnership opens up new avenues for water operator training, promising exciting opportunities for aspiring professionals in Manitoba’s Indigenous communities.
4.
Meet the women making in-roads in a male-dominated industry
Melodie Squires (left), a recent Internship Graduate, and Krysta Wordock (right), a Water First Technical Trainer, believe in the importance of seeing more women in the male-dominated Water Operator industry and working closely together to encourage women to participate in the water sciences.
During our fourth internship, in partnership with Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council, Krysta worked closely with Melodie, who is from Serpent River First Nation. Reflecting on their partnership, Krysta emphasizes the importance of representation and support among women in overcoming workplace challenges:
Being Melodie's check-in person confirmed the importance of women supporting one another on how to navigate situations that are unique to females in these traditionally male roles. I am compelled to share my knowledge and experiences with our female interns so they are equipped with a strong skillset to succeed.
The stories Melodie shares of seeking out connections with other female operators makes my heart soar. I am grateful to have been along in Melodie's journey and to watch her appreciate just how important it is for women to uplift one another.
5.
Meet the women helping to ensure that the industry remains equitable
Kendra Driscoll (left) is a Water First employee who helped launch the very first Internship in 2017, and Amy Waboose (right) is an Alumni of that Internship. 7 years later, Kendra now leads the Drinking Water team, embodying the program’s career advancement opportunities.
After graduating from the program, Amy, who is from Whitefish River First Nation, started her career as a Water Treatment Plant Operator in her home community. Currently on maternity leave, thankful to be able to raise a family and depend on the stability of a great career. They both remain committed to encouraging more women to participate in the water sciences.
