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Manitoulin Internship

The Internship program was originally developed in partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and the Anishinabek Nation, representing 39 First Nations in northern Ontario. Piloted in 2017-2018 with seven First Nations communities on Manitoulin Island, the program was incredibly successful and significantly exceeded expectations among the project partners.

Internship program wins 2019 Water’s Next award

June 19th, 2019

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.

Alumni Update

April 1st, 2019

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 2^nd 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.

Internship program profiled in Water Canada magazine

January 21st, 2019

The Water First Internship Program was featured in the January/February 2019 edition of Water Canada, a publication dedicated to covering a range of Canadian water issues. This edition of the magazine focused specifically on issues impacting Indigenous communities, as well as the work of individuals, communities and organizations addressing these issues.

In addition to featuring the internship and its successes, Water Canada also included the perspective of one of the inaugural graduates from the program. Eric Vautour, who was the valedictorian at the August 2018 internship graduation ceremony, spoke of the importance of the program to him and his community.

Read the articles here:

Internship Highlighted as Innovative Initiative

December 17th, 2018

Water First Internship Highlighted as Innovative initiative in Government of Canada Sustainable Development Report

In October 2018, Environment and Climate Change Canada released a report detailing the Government of Canada’s efforts in realizing the 13 aspirational goals set out in its 2016 to 2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

For each goal, the report sets out why each goal is important, overall progress made towards reaching the goal, key activities undertaken, information on risks and challenges, linkages to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, as well as examples of innovative work taking place outside of the federal government.

Clean Drinking Water Goal: All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges for Indigenous communities are addressed.

One of the 13 goals is for all Canadians to have access to safe drinking water, and in particular, to address the significant challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing clean drinking water. Pages 89 to 94 of the report summarize the efforts of Indigenous Services Canada in meeting its target of eliminating all long-term boil water advisories on publicly funded systems on First Nations reserves by 2021.

The Water First Internship piloted on Manitoulin Island was identified as an innovative approach to addressing this goal and as an organization taking action in collaboration with First Nations communities toward clean drinking water for everyone.

Internship Program: Blending Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Cutting Edge Technology

June 22nd, 2018

Water First Interns from across Manitoulin Island were brought together for a week in May to explore traditional knowledge along with new technologies.

Interns heard from guest speakers about traditional ecological knowledge and Elders discussed the changes in the migratory patterns of fish and animals. Elders shared their observations about the spread of invasive species in the Manitoulin ecosystem which could be related to climate change and the potential impact on First Nations culture and traditions. Land uses for traditional plants and harvesting in First Nations communities across Manitoulin Island were also explored.

In addition, Interns spent the week completing geographic information systems (GIS) training. This included learning cartographic theory, getting out into the field to collect GIS data, and developing skills in advanced map making. It was great to see their pride in producing individual watershed maps based on the field data they collected. In the future, Interns will be able to apply these skills in developing Source Water Protection Plans for their home communities.

Our Interns had the chance to learn first-hand on sophisticated GIS software donated by Esri Canada. Esri Canada has been a generous supporter of Water First, donating GIS software and licenses for all Water First programs.

“Esri Canada is honoured to partner with Water First, an organization dedicated to supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts, and especially proud that they are doing this work with First Nations communities.” shared Bryan Minhinnett, Inside Sales Representative, Esri Canada. “Environmental sustainability is crucial for Esri and we’re pleased that our software will help Water First carry out their current conservation work and help future First Nation generations manage their water resources.”

Esri Canada will also be donating GIS software to interested Water First partner First Nations communities.

The current Water First Internship Program is operating in collaboration with the seven First Nations communities on Manitoulin Island. After completing the program, the Interns will become certified to work within a water treatment plant and receive support for further education and training in the water science field. The Internship will be wrapping up by the end of the summer and we look forward to sharing more updates in the fall.

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