Sustainable access to safe, clean drinking water in Indigenous communities continues to be an issue in Canada. Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Understanding what community members have to say about their priorities has been the catalyst for building lasting solutions.
Technology alone does not provide clean and reliable drinking water; the people who run the systems are critical. Many Indigenous communities in Canada have identified the need for more qualified and local personnel to support solving water issues, independently and for the long term. However, there is a lack of locally available opportunities to gain the relevant skills and experiences.
The Drinking Water Internship Program directly addresses this by supporting Indigenous adults to become certified water treatment plant operators. The Internship is welcomed by Indigenous communities that view education, training and skill development as a key part of the solution to drinking water challenges. This approach ensures sustainable access to safe drinking water in Indigenous communities for the long term.
