Water First Education & Training Inc.

Water First Education & Training Inc.
Type	Organization
Founded	2009

Water First Education & Training Inc. is a Canadian charity that collaborates with Indigenous communities on water challenges.

In Anishinabek News

• December 2020: The charity collaborates with the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations to deliver a drinking water treatment and environmental water science internship. The organization has previously implemented similar training programs with the Bimose Tribal Council and the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising. The group provides interns with 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience to help them achieve professional water treatment certifications.
• August 2021: Water First Education & Training Inc. manages an Indigenous Internship Program to create sustainable clean water solutions and jobs. A fundraising campaign led by two canoeists aimed to raise $75,000 for this organization by August 2021.
• March 2022: The charity collaborated with Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council to deliver a certification program for young Indigenous adults starting in the summer of 2022. The organization has partnered with over 55 Indigenous communities across Canada to provide education and meaningful collaboration regarding water issues. The charity's executive director, John Millar, stated the program combines local training with hands-on experience in water plants.
• March 2022: Since 2009, this organization has collaborated with 56 Indigenous communities to support careers in water science. The charity received a $500,000 donation in March 2022 to expand its hands-on skills training for young adults. The organization designs customized education programs in collaboration with community leaders to build local technical capacity.
• September 2022: The charity partnered with several organizations to deliver the Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program for young Indigenous adults. Since 2009, the organization has worked with 66 Indigenous communities to support youth pursuing careers in water science. The group has implemented multiple internship programs, including a partnership with the Bimose Tribal Council in Northwestern Ontario.
• July 2023: The organization collaborated with the Ogemawahj Tribal Council to provide a paid internship for Indigenous youth to earn provincial water certifications. Since 2009, the charity has worked with over 70 Indigenous communities to support careers in water science. The group's internship program has helped 48 interns from 31 communities pass their Operator in Training exams.
• October 2023: The charity provides education and training to support Indigenous youth pursuing careers in water science and treatment. As of October 2023, the organization has worked with over 80 Indigenous communities across Canada since 2009. The group manages the Drinking Water Internship and an alumni network for professional development and peer support.