Information for Communities
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Hands-on learning in the classroom, out on the land and in community work placements
Benefits to communities
- 14 full-time paid positions, lasting 15 months for participating community members.
- One full-time paid, 18-month local coordinator position.
- 2,000 hours in the classroom, out on the land and in community work placements.
- Including local traditional knowledge, incorporated with community guidance, strengthens the program’s success.
- Graduates earn certifications in Water Quality Monitoring, Fish Conservation and Environmental Data to support future employment or further education.
- Increased female participation in the water sciences.
- More local, skilled field technicians to address water and fish management issues, enhancing capacity for community-led conservation.
Brunswick House First Nation
PHASE 1
Collaborative partnership planning
Community Engagement Information Sessions
Identification of community environmental
priorities to
inform project-based learning
Recruitment and hiring of
interns and local coordinator
Work with Knowledge Keepers to create
opportunities to weave local
knowledge, values,
and customs with
Western water science
PHASE 2
- 10 week-long training workshops in the classroom and out on the land
- Water First certifications in Water Quality Monitoring, Environmental Data, and Fish Conservation
- Work placements in the community (e.g. Lands and Resource office, Environmental Department, Public Works, Health Department, Cultural Department)
- Additional career & employment training and mentorship
- Online learning modules and tutorials
- Ongoing mentoring from Water First trainers
Beyond the technical skills
Successful learning is about more than training. Water First programs also provide wrap-around services so anybody who is interested can participate. Wrap-around supports include things like childcare support, cell phone allowance, and technical and personal equipment.
Interns are supported in areas such as resume writing, interview preparation and employment readiness, with professional employment skills woven throughout the program. They also have the opportunity to expand their contacts in the Indigenous water field. Graduates are part of the Water First Alumni Network, which provides continuing career development opportunities and an ever-expanding professional network.
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 are 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.
