Halfway Through, Full Speed Ahead!
Winter 2024
The past six months have been an exciting and busy time for the School Water Program! From another successful summer semester to a dynamic first half of the new school year, we’re thrilled to share the cross-country adventures and accomplishments of our School Water team and the great things planned for the second half of the year.
🎒(Summer) School’s out!
Diving deep into water science
The summer of 2024 marked the fourth year of offering the Summer Credit Course – and the fourth year of delivering the program in Beausoleil First Nation! This multi-week, hands-on program allows students to earn a high school credit by diving deep into water science concepts. It also introduces students to potential career paths in water science at a pivotal time in their education.
Connecting classroom concepts to real-life experiences in the field, the Summer Credit Course was also delivered to students in Rama First Nation. In total, 21 high school credits were earned this summer, bringing the total number of credits earned through the summer program to more than 100 – a true milestone that we couldn’t be prouder of. Way to go, students – and see you next summer.
✈️ Making connections in Manitoba
Connecting students with local role models working in water science
Our work in Manitoba this year has been significant! Not only has our collaboration with the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) marked the first Drinking Water Internship Program outside of Ontario, but the partnership also enabled exciting opportunities with the School Water Program.
By bringing Drinking Water Interns from IRTC communities into classrooms, students were able to connect with people working towards a career in the water science field and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. These cross-program opportunities allow students to learn about the critical work of providing safe, clean drinking water while connecting with local role models who are actively working in water science careers in their very own communities.
In Lake St. Martin, Dauphin River, and Pinaymootang First Nations, students from the local schools explored the complete water treatment process. During the week, students met with Drinking Water interns responsible for keeping their community’s water safe and clean; many of the students even had the opportunity to tour local water treatment plants. These moments of connection are powerful – they inspire curiosity, foster respect for the work, and open students’ eyes to career possibilities within their own communities.
More news from Manitoba:
- In Lake St. Martin First Nation: Grade 5 students toured the water treatment plant with interns Travis Beardy and Donny Spence, using headsets and microphones to navigate the noisy facility while learning about water safety.
- In Dauphin River First Nation: Intern Norma Prince invited her uncle and mother, both Elders, to speak with students about the community’s relationship with water. This added a deeply personal and cultural perspective to the learning experience.
- In Pinaymootang First Nation: Intern Tyler Thompson led plant tours for students in Grades 5 through 10 and joined them at school to share insights about water science careers. Tyler’s enthusiasm and expertise left a lasting impression on both students and our team.
While in Winnipeg, Water First attended the Indspire National Gathering for Indigenous Education, where educators Tanya and Adrianna had the opportunity to give an expert talk on water science in the classroom!
🌊 Labrador
Building on past connections
Travelling east in October to continue our work in Labrador, the School Water team returned to Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (SIFN) and Natuashish to build on lessons from previous years and deepen our connections with the communities.
Dillon and Juliana led engaging workshops in Sheshatshiu, while Adrianna and Rachel worked with students in Natuashish. For communities that don’t often receive visitors, we were told that our presence was warmly welcomed, and the programs were met with enthusiasm.
One teacher in Natuashish shared how impactful the program was for her students, noting that even students who are typically quite reserved became engaged and excited, and the outdoor activities like water sampling brought students out of their shells. These hands-on experiences not only resonated with the students but also underscored the importance of offering alternative learning environments where they can thrive. It’s always rewarding to see the enthusiasm and curiosity these programs spark, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue fostering connections and inspiring future water stewards in Labrador.
🚌 Ontario
Visiting classrooms across the province
The School Water team also delivered programs this fall in Ontario spending time in Walpole Island First Nation, Rama First Nation, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
With Walpole Island First Nation, students explored water quality testing and soil sampling. One particularly heartwarming moment came during a discussion about water science careers when a student shared, “I want to do your job.” Moments like this remind us of the potential to inspire the next generation of water stewards.
In Rama First Nation, an intensive week of learning culminated in students creating short films to document their discoveries about water quality. The creativity and collaboration on display underscored the value of experiential education. Programs like these don’t just teach science – they foster curiosity, confidence, and a sense of connection to local watersheds. As teacher Steph Miller shared:
“The educators provided thoughtful instruction with infectious enthusiasm, skillfully drawing out our students’ prior knowledge and building upon it through engaging, hands-on lessons. Students participated with enthusiasm, easily connecting their learning to their local watershed and community. We are so very grateful to have had this opportunity.”
From wetlands to classrooms, these programs are creating meaningful learning experiences and inspiring students across Ontario to see the possibilities in water science careers.
👀 Looking ahead
As we look to the months ahead, the School Water Program shows no signs of slowing down. From coast to coast, programming is planned across the country, bringing hands-on water science education to even more communities. Upcoming visits include Kininjeoshtegon (Jackhead), Peguis, and Little Saskatchewan First Nations in Manitoba; the Cree Nation of Nemaska, and Kitigan Zibi First Nations in Quebec; Fort Albany and Wasauksing in Ontario, and out west, Calgary, Squamish, and Mini Thni – phew!
We’re also gearing up for the fifth year of the Summer High School Credit Program, and many more exciting adventures.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors like you.
Your support ensures that students across the country can connect with water science in meaningful, transformative ways, helping to inspire the next generation of water protectors. Thank you for making this work possible – we’re excited to share more of this journey with you in the year ahead.
