What We Do
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Why we do training and education
The water crisis in Indigenous communities is one of the most urgent and complex challenges in Canada today. Right now, 21% of First Nations are under a water advisory. This includes short and long-term “do not consume”, “do not use”, and boil water advisories. In the province of Ontario, it is closer to 40% of Indigenous communities.*
In addition, Indigenous people in Canada are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental degradation. Indigenous communities are among the lowest greenhouse gas emitters in Canada, but are among the most exposed and impacted by climate change. Empowerment over land and environmental issues is critical for Indigenous communities to protect their right to safe, clean water.
Water First partners with Indigenous communities that have identified training and education as one part of the solution to the clean water crisis. By focusing on technical training and education for youth and adults, Water First aims to support capacity building and sustained access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities across Canada.
Safe water needs skilled people
While water treatment systems have a role to play, we know that infrastructure and technology alone cannot solve the water crisis. Safe water doesn’t just depend on technology – it relies on skilled people who can operate and maintain water systems.
However, there is a lack of training and education opportunities for Indigenous youth and young adults in Canada. Barriers make it challenging for Indigenous communities to attain their vision of Indigenous-led resource management that weaves Western science with Indigenous ways of knowing.
Because our programming is developed in consultation with Indigenous community partners, we work to reduce barriers and improve access to training and education among learners of all ages. Our unique programming offers pathways that lead to a future career in drinking water treatment and/or environmental water management
What We Do
Drinking Water
The Drinking Water Internship Program directly addresses the complex water challenges faced by Indigenous communities by training and supporting Indigenous adults in becoming certified water treatment plant operators.
In addition to these 15-month paid internships preparing participants for a future in the professional water science field, they also support capacity building in each community.
Environmental Water
The lack of local training opportunities challenges Indigenous communities’ vision of Indigenous-led resource management. Through community-initiated projects and an Environmental Water Internship, the Environmental Water Program offers training and education that supports water and fish resource management in Indigenous communities.
Because they are developed in consultation with each community, these programs support long-term environmental and water goals, and prepare participants for a future in the professional water science and resource management field.
School Water
The School Water Program offers Indigenous learners from kindergarten to grade 12 hands-on STEM and summer high school credit courses right in their community.
These courses create unique opportunities to explore, highlight and increase awareness among Indigenous learners of the pathways that lead to a future career in drinking water treatment and/or environmental water management.
