The water crisis in Indigenous communities
Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be an issue in Canada. Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Understanding what community members have to say about their priorities has been the catalyst for building lasting solutions.
Technology alone does not provide clean and reliable drinking water; the people who run the systems are critical. Many Indigenous communities in Canada have identified the need for more young, qualified, and local personnel to support solving water issues, independently and for the long term. However, there is a lack of locally available opportunities for young adults to gain the relevant skills and experiences.
The Drinking Water Internship Program directly addresses this by supporting young Indigenous adults to become certified water treatment plant operators.
The Internship is welcomed by Indigenous communities that view training and skill development as a key part of the solution to drinking water challenges. This approach ensures sustainable access to safe drinking water in Indigenous communities for the long term.
Intern to Operator in just 15 months
The Water First Internship is a water quality education program supporting Indigenous youth to become leaders in the world of drinking water treatment.
