The sound of celebration filled the air as eight Indigenous adults from the Ogemawahj Tribal Council (OTC) graduated from Water First’s Drinking Water Internship. After 15 months of intensive training, these individuals are now certified water operators, ready to make a real difference in their communities.
For Janelle Snache, returning to her home community of Rama First Nation after nine years away, the internship was a perfect opportunity to combine her passion for environmental science with her desire to give back. “Collaborating with the other interns and learning together has been the best,” she shares, “We’ve gained a new perspective on the importance of water and how we treat it, and I’ll be able to take that knowledge with me into my career.”
Water First’s Drinking Water Internship program is designed to address the critical need for qualified water professionals in Indigenous communities. It offers paid training and certification to Indigenous adults, providing them with the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in water treatment.
During the 15-month program, interns gain hands-on experience working in water treatment plants and complete rigorous training for water operator certification. They also delve into additional certifications like water quality analyst and environmental training in GIS and water sampling, equipping them for diverse roles in both drinking water treatment and the broader environmental water field.
Paxton King, another graduate from Rama First Nation, echoes the sentiment, “I’m proud of myself for getting to the end of this internship. I’m excited to graduate and am looking forward to putting my newfound skills to use. Water First has provided the best education I’ve ever had.”
The OTC Drinking Water Internship program has been a resounding success, with eight new water advocates graduating. This marks the fourth successful completion of the program since its pilot launch in 2018. Water First is now expanding its reach, launching its first internship program outside of Ontario with the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council in Manitoba and an inaugural Environmental Water Internship program.
The need for skilled water operators and environmental technicians is growing in Indigenous communities. The graduation of this cohort marks a significant step towards ensuring sustainable access to clean and safe water for all. “Expanding our internship programs means the opportunity to work with even more communities in addressing water challenges and building local capacity,” explains John Millar, Water First Executive Director and Founder. “The need for trained water operators and environmental technicians continues to grow in Indigenous communities, and thanks to successful collaborations like this one with OTC, we can support the career development of even more qualified water operators.”
The OTC Drinking Water Internship program is a beacon of hope for Indigenous communities facing water challenges. By investing in education and training, Water First is empowering Indigenous individuals to become stewards of their own water systems, ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.
