What does safe water mean to you?

Safe water can mean a lot of things, from the personal to the practical, and it means something different to every person in every community.

For most of us, safe water means not even considering the act of turning on the tap, cooking dinner, or taking a shower. But for Indigenous communities across the country, safe water supply is at risk. 

For Water First, safe water means education and training. Safe water means building local capacity. Safe water means skilled, passionate people.

Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by water advisories. As of October 2023, 14% of First Nations in Canada are affected by a boil water advisory – and that number is significantly higher in many provinces*. 

Water First works to address water challenges in Indigenous communities across Canada through training, skills development and meaningful collaborations – right where it is needed most. 

“To me, safe water means that everybody in my community can turn on their tap, fill a glass of water, and drink it and not have any problems down the line."

Hunter Edison is a graduate of the Drinking Water Internship Program and is now employed as the lead operator at his community’s water treatment plant in Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation.

When you give to Water First, you are supporting educational programs, training, and hands-on internships that give local people the skills needed to keep the water safe for future generations.

We work directly with Indigenous communities, from internships that focus on water treatment plant operations to fisheries health and climate change solutions. These programs will continue to help ensure that there are local, skilled people to keep water systems safe. But we can’t do it without your support.

Right now, Canada Life is matching all donations made to Water First. Donate today for 2x the impact: www.waterfirst.ngo/SpringCampaign