Across Canada, many Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by complex and varied issues that impact their clean water supply. Through education, training, and meaningful collaboration, we can create a ripple effect of safety and sustainability that helps solve these issues.
We spoke with Brenda Lapell, Digital Communications Manager at Water First Education and Training, about how this non-profit organization is collaborating with Indigenous communities in Canada to address local clean water challenges.
What was the “spark” that inspired your founders to start your organization?
In 2009, we began operating as Tin Roof Global to bring drinking water to rural schools in Uganda. But after a few years of operation, we realized that there were very few organizations addressing clean water challenges here at home.
In 2012, we started collaborating with First Nations in Canada. The projects were small, but they were successful. In 2016, we changed our name to Water First Education and Training, and our mandate to work exclusively with Indigenous communities.
What do you consider to be your biggest success? Can you share any stories of the impact your work has had that have surprised you?
Our biggest successes are definitely the interns and participants of our programs who have gone on to great careers in or near their home communities or as they continue their education in the water field. Water First interns and alumni will have decades-long careers and opportunities ahead of them, which is such a testament to their hard work and dedication. Many program participants and interns also stay close to the Water First community to become mentors and active alumni, providing a really special way to stay connected — some people even end up coming back to work with Water First!
How can addressing local water challenges help make the world better?
The water challenges that Indigenous communities face are complex and varied and are not new. From climate change to aging infrastructure, Indigenous communities are also disproportionately affected by these challenges. Across Canada, 14% of First Nations are currently living under a water advisory. Many Indigenous communities in Canada have identified the need for more local, qualified personnel to support solving water issues independently and for the long term. Working with and supporting Indigenous communities in determining the solutions and training that fit their communities best leads to greater control over their own land and resource use. This helps to create a ripple effect of safety and sustainability that is far-reaching.
What are some of the challenges you typically face in carrying out your purpose?
Water First often works with Indigenous communities in remote areas and inclement weather, so when we’re training in the field, there are lots of opportunities for problem-solving! From equipment malfunctions to severe weather events, our teams have to be flexible and smart to keep everybody safe and projects on track.
A challenge that we face, and embrace, as an organization is to always continue our cultural learning. We are a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees, and in our work, we strive to build lasting, trusting relationships with partner communities. So while we offer technical training, our team also seeks out our own learning opportunities as well as reciprocal learning opportunities from our partners. We’ve recently taken part in Inuit cultural learning, a Two-Spirit workshop, and a Red Dress Day sharing circle. And we have land-based learning opportunities scheduled for this fall.
We also recently launched a brand-new internship program that focuses on environmental water management and technical training and are currently working toward accreditation to certify participants that complete the training. This has been a long process and a learning experience for us all, but the benefits to our participants will be worth it.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’d like to share?
It has been another year of growth. Together with community partners, we have expanded programming in western Canada and our programming with school-aged children.
In March 2024, we began a Drinking Water Internship with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council in Manitoba. Interns from seven communities are taking part in a 15-month program to gain technical skills and training. This will lead to valuable water operator certifications and help trainees begin their careers in the water field. This internship is significant as it marks the first for us outside of Ontario.
The next initiative we’re excited about is the launch of our very first Environmental Water Internship. This internship was launched in collaboration with Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council. It focuses on skills training and certification in Water Quality, Environmental Data, and Fish Conservation. We feel a great deal of privilege to be able to build this program with such a fantastic community partner and know that it will serve as the blueprint for additional internships and the expansion of the program.
What can people do to help support your mission?
Get to know the issues surrounding water safety and sovereignty in Indigenous communities, get to know Water First, and of course, we’re a nonprofit, so donations matter. To keep up with our news and all the fantastic collaborations we’re involved in, sign up for our quarterly newsletter! And don’t forget to follow us on social media — and help spread the word!
This story was featured in the Make The World Better Magazine:
