Skills training to meet a community’s vision
While working with many Indigenous communities, we have heard time and again their vision of Indigenous-led land management. Communities want to manage their water resources and track the effects of industry and climate change. As a result, they are seeking ways to strengthen their technical capacity to do so.
Environmental technical training is a well-established field. What sets Water First apart is our approach. First, we consult with our Indigenous partners about their long-term environmental water goals. By understanding their goals, we help to determine priority areas and local training needs. Our Environmental Water Program is ready to address these training needs.
As an organization, we have eight years of experience providing hands-on training and education programs in over 55 Indigenous communities in Canada.
24
COMMUNITIES WE’VE WORKED WITH
8
FISH HABITAT RESTORATION TRAINING PROJECTS
17
WATER QUALITY RELATED TRAINING PROJECTS
Training designed to meet capacity needs
Based on local training needs, we design a custom training program related to fish habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, mapping, and data management. A custom training aligned with community identified goals and needs. As such, the Environmental Water Program is adaptable to meet individuals and communities where they are at.
Project completed by the community for the community
Our training incorporates an environmental water project. Project-based training provides a way to apply new knowledge and skills out on the water. The long-term goals of the community inform and guide which project is carried out. A project completed for a community, by a community, bringing invaluable experience and increased confidence through the process.
I hope I can share my experiences and knowledge with the younger generation, and teach them about the restoration and conservation of our land.
Building trust and nurturing meaningful relationships
This is the heart of our work. Our approach of consultation, collaboration, and alignment to long-term goals and training needs sets us apart. It is more challenging to deliver.
However, our program helps to strengthen communities in a meaningful way with sustainable outcomes. This puts our Indigenous partners well on their way toward a more active role in managing and stewarding their water resources for the long term.
Recent program news
Water First To Build New Operations Hub to Support Significant Growth in Programming
The Water First Operations Hub will serve as a centre of effective coordination supporting partnerships with Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. Water
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Donate $500,000 in Support of Training, Education and Skills Development for Indigenous Youth and Young Adults
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have made a donation in support of locally-based, hands-on skills training and education programs. Reynolds’ & Lively’s $500,000 contribution will
Connecting Youth, Science, Water, and Community
Water First Indigenous Schools Water Program and Environmental Water Program Work Together in Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (SIFN). By Adrianna Bilinski, Indigenous School Engagement Coordinator
Watch the highlights from our most recent Environmental Water Program donor event.