Water First has been honoured with a national award in recognition of its ongoing collaboration with indigenous communities. The 2023 Downstream Award was presented at the recent Water Canada Summit in Ottawa. It is given in honour of a program or project driving greater diversity in the water sector and addressing skills shortages.
Ami Gopal, Director ofDevelopment and Communications for Water First says the Creemore based not-for-profit was chosen based on its body of work versus a specific project. The group trains and supports individuals who then work to provide safe water to indigenous communities on an ongoing basis. There are currently 20 people involved in paid internships in the drinking water program. The 15 month program includes hands-on hours in a water operating facility plus support in obtaining provincial certifications. Another 10 people are being trained on environmental water projects related to the quality of source water.
In June, Water First launched its fifth drinking water internship program in partnership with the Ogemawahj Tribal Council. The new group of interns gathered at Rama First Nation for week one of their training. So far, 35 people have graduated from Water First programs. The group also runs a program to engage youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in water related Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workshops and this year is offering three summer programs where participants can earn a high school credit.
Contributed photo: In early June 2023, interns from communities in the Ogemawahj Tribal Council area gathered in Rama First Nation to start a new water treatment plant operator training program, beginning with a tour of Rama First Nation’s Water Treatment Centre.