As health and wellness partners with First Nations in BC, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) views protecting all water as a sacred and shared responsibility.
First Nations' traditional way of living and access to clean fresh water has been greatly impacted by climate change. To ensure future generations can continue to rely on the waters that sustain them, the FNHA collaborates with First Nations communities across BC to support timely responses to these impacts.
Witset First Nation is one of the communities we collaborate with. They and other communities are exploring opportunities for funding grants to support awareness and preservation of drinking water sources through the FNHA's “Our Community Our Water" grant program.
“With climate change rapidly reshaping our environment, we must act now to protect the future of our water supply," says Witset First Nation Community Development Officer Rebecca Morris. “A stable water supply is not only essential for drinking water but also for emergency response – without reliable access to water, Witset's ability to respond to both structural and wildfire events is severely compromised."
The FNHA continues to offer training and educational opportunities for First Nations community members across BC. These include sponsoring five First Nations students to attend the BC Institute of Technology's (BCIT's) Fundamentals of Water and Wastewater Operations program, from which the first Indigenous-only cohort of 24 students graduated in May 2024. The FNHA is working with the BCIT on planning the next Indigenous-only cohort for the spring of 2026.
The FNHA also continues to encourage and sponsor community members to attend Community-Based Water Monitors and Environmental Operators certification programs. Graduates of these programs go on to work in their communities and have a vital role in keeping everyone safe by ensuring access to clean and reliable tap water.
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the First Nations communities, leaders, and water system operators in BC for their hard work and dedication to ensuring clean water is available to everyone.
Resources:
You can read about some of our programs and partnerships at these links:
