Safe water needs
skilled people.
People like Elijah.
Elijah graduated from the Water First Drinking Water Internship Program in September and now works for his community to ensure they have access to safe drinking water.
Elijah Toulouse
Sagamok Anishnawbek
Drinking Water Internship Graduate
Every day when I got home from my shift at the water treatment plant, my mom would ask me, “What did you learn today? Tell me all about it.”
One of the most important things I learned was how to keep my community’s water safe. In my community, Sagamok Anishnawbek, our water treatment and supply system distributes safe, clean drinking water to more than 400 homes and buildings.
I’ve always wanted to find a career, not just a job. Now, I have access to lots of opportunities. Water is life, and it’s also a great career. Thanks to the Water First internship program and the people who support it, I know I’m on the right path. The work that Water First does starts with water but it leads to so much more – skills, employment, confidence, and capacity.
If there’s one thing I can ask of you today, it’s please donate to Water First! There are so many communities that need skilled people to ensure access to safe, clean water for generations to come. You can be a part of making change happen.
Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a critical issue in Canada.
The challenges are complex and layered – communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, impacts of climate or having enough people to manage water resources. Or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First partners with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of the solution to the water crisis. Because safe water needs skilled people.
Water First programs support participants in developing technical skills to go on to employment or further education in water science fields. Our programs also support Indigenous communities in strengthening capacity to manage and protect water resources for generations to come.
‘Teaching is not the filling of a pot, but the lighting of one’s fire, drive and motivation.’ That’s what we have done with Elijah. We pulled out a new passion with this new career path. He’s a great investment to our community for the future protection of our water.
Your gift will DOUBLE!
Will you consider donating today? Your gift will be matched by The Tachane Foundation.
The Tachane Foundation, a long-time supporter of Water First, is generously matching donations up to $150,000!