Next Generation Indigenous Water Treatment Operators Ready to Support Local Water Quality Canadian Business Journal

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Last week, the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN), Gezhtoojig Employment & Training, Anishinabek Nation, and Water First Education & Training Inc. We celebrated the graduation ceremony. Drinking Water Internship Program. This program is a paid internship that recruits young Indigenous Peoples into the drinking water sector and helps them gain the entry-level certifications necessary to start a career in water treatment. Qualified local workers help communities maintain long-term access to safe, clean drinking water.

“Clean, safe drinking water is extremely important and essential to our communities. A new generation of individuals, armed with new technologies and training, will enrich our communities and progress and grow within them. Congratulations to all our graduates who have demonstrated a genuine dedication to learning, a passion for water, and a commitment to themselves and their communities.I hope they continue to achieve more great things. I know.”
Theresa Teddy, Secretary General, Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations

During the 15-month internship program, each intern accumulated 1,800 hours of work experience in water treatment plants. This is part of the Water Operator in Training (OIT) certification process. Interns may also take additional water operator certification exams, such as entry-level courses for Water Quality Analysts and Drinking Water Operators, as well as environmental related courses such as GIS and water sampling, which allow them to work in both the drinking water treatment and environmental water fields. also conducted training. After graduation, interns join the Water First Alumni Network for ongoing engagement, building a local network, and access to ongoing professional development and peer support opportunities.

“The Drinking Water Internship Program not only helps interns develop the skills to become a water treatment plant operator, but also opens up a world of opportunities by exposing them to the whole water science.” It has been so rewarding to work with Bay interns and see their skills and confidence improve, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to seeing them as part of our alumni network. I have.”
Kendra Driscoll, Water Quality Specialist at Water First

“I am doing this to have more meaningful and stable employment opportunities. going.”
Laura Marinson graduated from Nipissing First Nation

“The WaterFirst internship program means a lot to me because it gave me the opportunity to become a second generation water operator. I grew up watching her do great things in the lab, and the internship helped me understand what she was doing for the community. .”
Isaiah Tabobondung graduated from Wasaukshin First Nation

The Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program started in June 2021. Waterfast has so far he has two successful internship programs. Mnidu Munishing, Wikwemkoon Unceded Area, Manitoulin Island, Chiefs and Council of the Anisinabek Tribe. His fourth internship program in partnership with Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council, and his seven participating communities will begin in the summer of 2022. To date, 45 of her interns from 31 Indigenous communities have passed operator training through Water First’s drinking water internship program. I took the exam and worked about 70,000 hours at a local water plant.

The water crisis facing indigenous communities is serious. In Canada, 18% of First Nations communities have received drinking water recommendations. 35% in Ontario. The drinking water challenge is complex. In some communities, the local concern is infrastructure, while in others the main concern is contamination of water sources. Many communities recognize the need for more young and talented local people to independently and long-term help solve water problems.

regarding Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN):
WBAFN’s mission is to work with local leaders, officials and technicians to provide advisory and technical services to improve the quality of life of the members of the communities it serves.
www.wbafn.com

About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First):
Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works with indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has worked with 66 Indigenous communities in the land now known as Canada, supporting Indigenous youth and youth pursuing careers in water science. learn more: www.waterfirst.ngo

Photo Caption:

1. Interns will do hands-on work in preparation for writing exams for the introductory drinking water course.
2. Isaiah Thabobondan, a graduate from Wasawuksin First Nation, photographed at the Wasawksin Water Treatment Plant.
3. Interns and instructors from Georgian Bay’s Water First Drinking Water Internship Program stop for photos during a week of raw water quality training.

High resolution photos and logos are available upon request.

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