Wrapping up the busy season! All the news from the Water First Environmental Water Program
Fall 2026
Many Indigenous communities continue to be impacted by this summer’s wildfires. Building capacity through training and education is one way to prepare for the many issues affecting the land and the water.
Through hands-on training, the Environmental Water Program prepares Indigenous adults for work in the environmental resource sector, and to build community resiliency to address climate change issues. As summer turns to fall and we transition out of our busy field season, take a look at just some of the work we’ve been doing with Indigenous communities across Canada to support these goals.
💧 The second Environmental Water Internship has launched!
Ten Indigenous adults from Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations are participating in a new internship program that launched in July – and believe us when we say they hit the ground (and water) running! The interns have already completed Intro week, and are studying for their Water Quality certification.
During the 15-month program, interns will participate in more than 2,000 hours of hands-on training and learning that weaves Indigenous and western science. This program can lead to crucial jobs in local Lands and Resources offices, and throughout the environmental sector. Good luck to all of the participants!
Click here to find out more about Intro Week from trainer, Beth!
#️⃣ Environmental Water Program by the numbers:
Did you know? Indigenous communities are among the lowest greenhouse gas emitters in Canada, but are among the most exposed and impacted by climate change*.
Our programs support projects that:
- Measure the effects of climate change
- Restore critical fish habitats and local food sources
- Monitor species of cultural significance to communities
- Assess water quality
- Invest in Indigenous leadership in environmental conservation.
Numbers to date:
📍 Out and about with Water First
Recent graduates Allie recently joined our trainer Beth in Vancouver to attend the Assembly of First Nations Education Forum. They had the chance to deliver a presentation about the great work that Water First is doing in the field of training and education, and to learn from the community of educators in attendance. We are always grateful for the opportunity to learn, share, and be seen as a leader in these spaces!
"This has been my favourite conference so far – I’ve learned so much and it’s given me confidence to use my language more."
👏 Working with Returning Partners
For the second year, Water First joined Waterways Collective, a volunteer-led paddling group based in Serpent River First Nation, to work together on a community-based environmental monitoring project. This year, the project brought together participants of all ages to explore land- and water-based sampling and monitoring systems. We can’t wait to see where they go with this knowledge!
"The collective is so cool – it’s full of awesome, passionate young people. I am so inspired by the ways that the entire group approaches water stewardship and monitoring so holistically. The change from even where they were at last summer to this one is amazing. I see so much great work in their future!"
💙 Alumni News
This year, three graduates from the inaugural Environmental Water Internship had the opportunity to further their skills and career development through Water First’s own Indigenous Career Initiative.
ICI participants join Water First teams in temporary roles in the field, in the classroom, and in other specialized areas. We were fortunate to welcome graduates Stacy and Caleb to spots on the Environmental Water team, and graduate Allie to the Instructional Design and Development team.
From supporting program delivery staff to attending trade shows and recruitment meetings, we couldn’t be happier to work with these and other graduates – after all, what better ambassadors for our programs could we ask for?
👀 Looking ahead
We’re looking forward to a busy fall as the participants of the latest internship continue their training. Participants will work on the remainder of the Water Quality courses until November, 2026 before moving on to Data and then Fish Conservation units.
We’ll continue to bring you all the news from the internship and beyond, as we support capacity building and community leadership roles that help protect local water systems, from source to tap.
Thank you for joining us throughout another year of successes and milestones.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors like you. Your support ensures that our work can continue in meaningful, transformative ways.
