Our work helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration. It is just one part of a solution to the water crisis facing many Indigenous communities.
Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with 60 Indigenous communities in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador on a variety of water education and training projects.
There are many ways to contribute to the work of Water First. Whether it’s through a single or monthly donation, planned gift or hosting a fundraiser, we invite you to explore how you can be part of the solution.
Our Indigenous Advisory Council members provide valuable feedback on our programs and delivery in communities.
Home / What We Do / Environmental Water / Water Quality Studies
Youth and young adults sample water at various sites identified by the community, testing for contaminants that affect drinking water and environmental water quality. The data collected belongs to the community and helps guard against future effects of water pollution.
LAWRENCE MAMEANSKUM
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
Water First Intern
We are currently working on a 5-year project with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach to better understand the effects of a changing climate on local fish populations and to study contaminants in the water. With regular trips to Naskapi, our team members are able to stay connected with the young Indigenous interns, regularly assess the technical capacity needs, and provide training and support to address those needs.
Read the latest news from the Naskapi project.
Water, sediment and fish samples are collected from lakes identified by the Indigenous community and analyzed in labs for water quality and contaminant levels. Local fishers catch the fish and are trained in sampling techniques for analysis. The data is owned by the community and the results are clearly presented to community members.
Water First acknowledges that our office lies within the traditional territory of the Petun and the Anishnaabeg, which consist of the Odawa, Ojibwe, and the Pottawatomi nations. The region in which we live and work has been a site of human activity for approximately 15,000 years, with Indigenous peoples being the sole inhabitants until as recently as 500 years ago. Water First is located on the territory covered by Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty No. 18, of 1818.
Today, this area is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the community in this territory.