what we do
Environmental Water
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Education & skills training for Indigenous water stewardship
Without control over the lands they live on, Indigenous people in Canada are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation from mining, forestry, hydroelectric projects, and more. As a result, Indigenous people are exposed to environmental challenges at a higher rate than others:
- Traditional foods often carry dangerous levels of contaminants.
- Animal migration routes are changing.
- Floods are forcing evacuations.
- Winter roads are becoming less safe.
- Wildfires are burning homes.
Empowerment over land and environmental issues is critical for Indigenous communities to protect their right to safe, clean water. Education and skills training can support that empowerment.
Building capacity through local education and training
The lack of locally available training opportunities challenges Indigenous communities’ vision of Indigenous-led resource management. In partnership with communities, Water First designs training programs that build technical skills and strengthen capacity for independent, long-term water and fish resource management.
The Environmental Water team supports community priorities through project-based training programs that aim to create space for incorporating local Indigenous ways of knowing. Water First’s goal, through the Environmental Water Program, is to encourage and support Indigenous communities in achieving their vision.
Relationships built on trust are at the heart of our work
Over the past five years, together with our Indigenous community partners, we have identified key training areas for our Community-Based Water Projects as well as the need for longer term, entry-level, paid training opportunities, which are now offered through our Environmental Water Internship Program.
Consultation, collaboration, and alignment with long-term training needs means our programs support each community’s unique water stewardship goals.
Trust building, meaningful partnerships and lasting results
Water First’s collaborative approach sets us apart. Trust building, meaningful partnerships and lasting results are key strands that weave together to form Water First’s work. We strive to understand our partner communities’ needs and preferences and to adapt the design and delivery of our program to unique community circumstances. This approach is critical to program success and leads to strong partnerships and lasting results.
