Friday, April 18, 2025
TORONTO — A new group of Indigenous water operators is ready to take on crucial roles in their communities, following the completion of the Ogemawahj Tribal Council (OTC) Drinking Water Internship Program, in partnership with Water First Education & Training Inc.
Janelle Snache, a graduate from Rama First Nation, is one of eight interns who have successfully completed the 15-month program, gaining vital experience in water treatment and environmental protection. “Collaborating with the other interns and learning together has been the best part. We’ve gained a new perspective on the importance of water and how we treat it,” said Snache.
The program, which began in July 2023, provides Indigenous adults with the certifications needed to become water operators. It offers 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, contributing to the Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification. Interns also pursued certifications as Water Quality Analysts and undertook environmental training in GIS and water sampling, positioning them for roles in both drinking water treatment and environmental protection.
The initiative is part of a growing effort to address the need for skilled water operators in Indigenous communities across Canada, where access to safe, clean drinking water remains a significant challenge. Currently, 13% of First Nations communities are affected by a drinking water advisory, with the figure rising to 25% in Ontario.
“I’m excited to graduate and looking forward to putting my newfound skills to use. Water First has provided the best education I’ve ever had,” said Paxton King, another graduate from Rama First Nation.
Water First Executive Director John Millar emphasized the importance of such training programs in tackling the water crisis. “Expanding our internship programs means the opportunity to work with even more communities in addressing water challenges and building local capacity.”
Mary McCue-King, Executive Director of the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, praised the collaboration with Water First. “We just created eight new water advocates from our communities, and I’m so proud of that.”
Graduates will continue their journey as part of the Water First Alumni Network, which provides professional development and peer support.
Water First, a registered Canadian charity, has been working alongside Indigenous communities since 2009 to address water challenges through education and training. The organization has collaborated with over 90 Indigenous communities across Canada.
Source: www.waterfirst.ngo
