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Every April during Earth month we focus our efforts on W A T E R and for the second year, we are excited to be fundraising for the Canadian NGO, Water First. Their 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.

Did you know that in numerous Indigenous communities across Canada, tap water is not safe to drink?

The water challenges faced by many Indigenous communities in Canada are complex. In some communities, the concern may be around infrastructure, for others source water concerns. And some communities have challenges with capacity and training.

Infrastructure alone cannot solve the water crisis; 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.

Water First believes that the water crisis in Indigenous communities is unacceptable (and so do we!!!!). Education and skills training are essential in creating solutions that work for communities and Water First has three programs to help:

Drinking Water Program - 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.

Environmental Water Program - 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 their approach. First, they consult with their Indigenous partners about their long-term environmental water goals. By understanding their goals, they help to determine priority areas and local training needs. Based on local training needs, they design a custom training program related to fish habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, mapping, and data management. 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.
Indigenous Schools Water Program - Water First delivers engaging, hands-on STEM-based Water Science programs to schools in Indigenous communities. These programs create opportunities for students to strengthen their understanding and relationship with the environment, and to foster a love of Water Science. During the programs, students spend time on the land and in the classroom exploring topics using Water Science tools and Water First learning resources. Water First regularly works alongside local community land-based learning or outdoor cultural training programs. This strengthens the breadth of the programming and student connections with their lands.
Through education, training, and meaningful collaboration, Water First is supporting sustainable water systems to last generations.