The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) celebrated the first cohort of Indigenous graduates for the Fundamentals of Water and Wastewater Operations program on May 24 at the school's Burnaby Campus. The cohort consisted of determined students from Nations across the province who worked hard to pursue this one-year program.

The curriculum involved courses such as water and wastewater systems operation, water distribution, wastewater collection, communications, legislation, and safety. Students were able to complete the part-time program remotely with a flexible schedule to ensure they were still able to work and serve their communities in their existing roles.

Upon graduation, the students received an Associate Certificate in Fundamentals of Water and Wastewater Operations, which provides the essential knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the water and wastewater treatment sector.

FNHA representatives Kimberley Brown, Public Health Engineer, and Jodie Millward, Director, Health Emergency Management, attended the event to present the graduates with gifts and provide some words of encouragement and congratulations.

The FNHA helped BCIT with the connection to Indigenous students through their existing relationships with communities in the Drinking Water Program. The Environmental Operators Certification Program also supported the initiative. This program was fully funded through generous donations from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and an unnamed donor.