21 First Nations establish Safe Water Operations Program to protect their water services
From the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal
Water protection goes local
BRYAN MEADOWS - June 30, 2008
A new venture is tapping local talent to ensure safe water on area First Nations.
Anishinnaabeg Kakenwaydemiwatch Nepi (AKN) was created in response to the safe water operations program instituted by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in 2006. The not-for-profit corporation celebrates the grand opening of its Dryden office on Thursday.
Executive director Elizabeth Kejick said the organization fills a “gap” between institutional training of operators and on-site support, quality and control at water and sewage treatment plants on area reserves.
“We‘re not only providing (technical and oversight) services, but we are training First Nation people as well,” she said.
Through contractor Ontario Clean Water Agency, AKN employs qualified water plant operators who provide oversight services and mentorship to water plant operators in 21 First Nation communities which have not yet achieved an adequate certification level.
“They go on site to help them (with hands-on training),” Kejick said. “We‘re an important link” between operator training centres and community facilities, ensuring water quality.
Kejick said there‘s a high turnover rate of water treatment workers on reserves, so it‘s important to have support in place for new operators.
Services provided by AKN include on-site training of operators in their own facilities; water treatment plant evaluations; advice on operational and maintenance budgets; preparation of operations and procedures manuals; preparation of individual training plans for each operator; and 24-hour technical support.
“Things are moving along pretty good,” she said, noting the organization has conducted initial assessments of 19 water treatment plants.
Kejick said the organization was created in November through a partnership arrangement among three area tribal councils.
Founding members were Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services in Fort Frances, Keewaytinook Okimakanak in Balmertown and Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag in Kenora.