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Start: February 17 End: February 18 Event Category:afn-eventsWebsite: https://www.afn.ca/2021-water-symposium/

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Bismarck, North Dakota – Water Protector Steve Martinez is confined in Burleigh County Detention Center after refusing, on principle, to give testimony before a federal grand jury. This Grand Jury, like the one at which Martinez refused to testify four years ago, ostensibly involves a criminal investigation into events leading to the grievous injury of Water Protector Sophia Wilansky. It has been the position of Morton County, ND that Ms. Wilansky was not injured as a result of excessive force by law enforcement, but by the actions of Water Protectors. In a federal civil rights lawsuit against Morton County, however, Wilansky says she was shot in the arm with a concussion grenade by a law enforcement officer on November 20, 2016, when police attacked hundreds of unarmed people objecting to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (“DAPL”) with high pressure fire hoses, impact munitions, explosive grenades and chemical weapons.  
 
Opposition to DAPL rallied thousands of environmental and Indigenous rights activists to the Oceti Sakowin prayer camp at Standing Rock, ND in 2016 and 2017. These Water Protectors were met with heavily militarized intervention from the oil company’s private security forces, the Morton County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous assisting agencies. Since March, 2017, DAPL has leaked over 1000 gallons of oil into sensitive water sources, and the Energy Transfer link connecting DAPL to Texas has leaked over 5000 gallons of oil. On January 26, 2021, the appeals court in Washington D.C. upheld a lower court ruling which found that the permit allowing DAPL to cross beneath the Missouri River — on unceded Lakota / Dakota / Nakota lands – violated key federal environmental laws, by failing to consider the risk the pipeline poses to the Standing Rock Sioux and other Indigenous nations who depend on the river for drinking water, as well as cultural, spiritual, and economic survival. After years of struggle and irreversible harm to both land and people, the rulings affirm the positions of the Water Protectors, and mean that DAPL is currently operating illegally. 
 
After Mr. Martinez refused to submit to a grand jury in 2017, US Attorneys released him from subpoena. Four years later, Mr. Martinez was served a new subpoena, just days after a significant ruling in Ms. Wilansky’s civil suit. The near simultaneous timing of the civil order and the new grand jury subpoena casts doubt on the legitimacy of the subpoena, argued Martinez’ lawyers in a motion to excuse him from the Grand Jury. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal denied that motion. 
 
After Martinez appeared before the Grand Jury on February 3, and invoked his First and Fifth Amendment rights, Magistrate Judge Senechal ordered him to give testimony, following a statutory grant of immunity. Martinez refused. In a secret proceeding in a sealed courtroom, the Court held him in contempt of its order, and over the objections of counsel, had him confined until such time as he agrees to testify, or the Grand Jury investigation terminates — up to 18 months.
 
The Government’s efforts to force Steve Martinez to collaborate with the Federal Grand Jury seeking to shift the blame for Sophia Wilansky’s injuries from law enforcement to Water Protectors have been plagued by due process violations, procedural errors, undue haste, and secrecy, say his lawyers. Martinez intends to challenge the finding of contempt, but remains prepared to serve the term of confinement, rather than participate in a proceeding characterized by secrecy and coercion. 
 
Grand juries are secret proceedings, at which prosecutors control the presentation of evidence to grand jurors in an effort to secure an indictment. Neither defense counsel nor judges — nor any member of the public — may be present. Witnesses must answer questions or risk being jailed until either they are coerced into compliance, or the grand jury expires. “Due to their secrecy, grand juries are highly susceptible to abuse,” said attorney Moira Meltzer-Cohen. “There is a long history of grand juries being used to intimidate politically disfavored groups, from abolitionists to union organizers, anti-war advocates, and civil rights activists. This Grand Jury, which criminalizes movements for native sovereignty and environmental justice, is one more instance of such abuse.” 
 
In addition to his objections to the grand jury as an institution, Martinez believes it is being used to suppress his rights to assembly, association, religion, and free speech. In a call from jail Saturday morning, he reaffirmed his conviction, saying “The state should not be intimidating people and trying to blame us for harm they caused. I didn’t want to lose my freedom, but they are not going to break me.” Martinez’ partner Leta Killer wrote in a heartfelt social media post: “Yesterday, my love Steve Martinez stood his ground as a Grand Jury Resistor regarding the movement at Standing Rock. … [T]he Feds are still grasping straws  trying not to be held accountable for the terrible things law enforcement did to peaceful, prayerful Water  Protectors. … Seeds of awareness & unification [will] spread all over the world for voices to speak out to  protect our natural resources for all of our future generations.” Martinez enjoys widespread support, as he joins, for the second time, a long line of activists committed to the welfare and self-determination of their movement communities. Mni Wiconi! (Water is Life!) 

Toronto _ The Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) is proud to announce the disbursement of over $3.8 million in development funding for Indigenous, Black and People of Colour creators in response to COVID and the pressing need for equity in Canada’s screen sector. Over $2.3 million in project and professional development grants were awarded to BIPOC majority-owned companies and $1.4 million to individuals in the 2020 fiscal year.

“The overwhelming response to this initiative from both applicants and funders demonstrates the need for development dollars and the exciting opportunities ahead for new screen content by BIPOC creators,” said Kerry Swanson, ISO Managing Director.

The development programs launched in September 2020 with an initial $800,000 allocation from the Canada Media Fund’s COVID Response Fund. It soon expanded into a multi-million-dollar fund as multiple partners including Amazon Prime Video, Creative BC, IMPACT’s Producers’ Pledge, and Inspirit Foundation reached out to support through partnership funding. Due to the incredible response from applicants, CMF matched a contribution from Amazon Prime Video, providing an additional top-up of over $1.3m to the programs.

“The CMF is proud to have supported this important multi-partner initiative from its inception,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “These outcomes are in line with the goals set out in our strategic plan and we look forward to creating more opportunities like this in future.”

The Indigenous Development Program supported 89 projects, with 31 going to companies and 58 to individuals. Funding was awarded in seven provinces with the highest representation in BC, Ontario, and Quebec. The Solidarity Fund, launched in partnership with the Racial Equity Media Collective (REMC) and BIPOC TV & Film, supported a groundbreaking 125 projects, including 32 companies, 18 of which are Black-owned, and 93 individuals, of whom 55 are Black. The fund achieved its goal of reaching Black creators with over 58 per cent representation in total grants awarded.

Funding was delivered through two distinct programs, with selections made by four separate juries. The Indigenous Development Grants Program was designed to support Indigenous content creators in the screen-based sector by providing funding for project and professional development for both Indigenous individuals and majority Indigenous-owned companies. The Solidarity Fund was a strategic initiative supporting project and professional development for racialized screen-based creators, particularly Black creators, whose voices and stories are underrepresented and necessary to a vibrant, innovative and equitable media landscape in Canada.

“To invest in the voices of and production companies of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, is a powerful and transformative act. We are proud to be a part of it and heartened by the industry-wide support,” said Nathalie Younglai, founder of BIPOC TV & Film.

This funding opportunity is a critical opportunity for many BIPOC creators who were not able to access funding through other mechanisms and to ensure they stay in the film sector during this time of increased precarity, with the pandemic shutting down productions across the country.

One example of the impact of the Solidarity Fund was heard from grant recipient Boonaa Mohammed, who previously made five independently financed films. “As a Black Muslim filmmaker I have struggled with gaining access to grants and funds that are available to creators in Canada,” said Mohammed. “This is because I don’t know many people who have ever received funding, am unfamiliar with the process and was unsure if there would be any prejudice shown towards my content. I feel encouraged to apply to different funding bodies in the future should similar opportunities arise that prioritize creators like myself and ensure an equitable review process.”

Grant recipient Jessie Anthony, who was awarded a grant for a slate of projects, stated: “For Pass Through Productions Inc., a 100% Indigenous-owned production company, this development grant allows us to create paid positions during the creative development stages of our projects and ensures that Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ filmmaker voices are amplified within our industry.”

The ISO thanks the Canada Media Fund, and program partners REMC and BIPOC TV & Film along with our funding partners Amazon Prime Video, Creative BC, IMPACT’s Producers’ Pledge, and Inspirit Foundation for their generous support during this uncertain time in the screen industry.

Amazon Prime Video has announced a $1.25 million (CAD) commitment to support the Canadian BIPOC TV and film production creative community with a donation to the Solidarity Fund and the Indigenous Development Program, and a new pitch program, with 10 grants of $10,000 (CAD) to creators who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour, in partnership with the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO). The initiatives will support the BIPOC creative community faced with ongoing hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. The guidelines for submissions are here: https://iso-bea.ca/amazon-studios-iso-pitch-program-guidelines/.

Les prix récompensent les réalisations inspirantes des femmes inuit

OTTAWA, le 11 février 2021 – Une chercheuse qui enquête sur une mesure de santé publique qui promeut la sécurité alimentaire et une influenceuse qui lutte contre le suicide sur les médias sociaux ont été nommés respectivement Femme inuk de l’année et Jeune femme inuk de l’année par l’association Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (PIWC) lors de sa récente assemblée générale annuelle.

« Ces prix soulignent et célèbrent les plus belles qualités des femmes inuit, a déclaré Rebecca Kudloo, présidente de l’association PIWC. Après une année si difficile en cette période de pandémie, nos communautés avaient plus que jamais besoin d’exemples de force et de résilience. Nous les avons trouvés dans le leadership motivant et les réalisations inspirantes de ces deux femmes. »

Sharon Edmunds a été nommée Femme inuk de l’année dans la catégorie des plus de 36 ans pour son engagement à consolider le savoir scientifique dans le Nord, chez les Inuit, ainsi que pour sa détermination à contribuer à la mise en place d’un service de test pour s’assurer que la nourriture traditionnelle des Inuit, en particulier le morse, ne contient pas de parasites qui provoquent des maladies chez les humains.  

Mme Edmunds, qui est originaire du Nunatsiavut, termine actuellement son doctorat en médecine des populations à l’Université de Guelph. Son travail profite à tous les Inuit. En effet, elle mène des recherches révolutionnaires sur la prévention du parasite Trichinella, un ver rond microscopique qui peut être présent la viande de morse que les Inuit consomment traditionnellement crue et qui infecte les humains.  

« Je veux doter les Inuit de connaissances sur le parasite et sur l’existence d’un test qui limite le risque que les personnes et communautés développent la trichinellose », explique Mme Edmunds. Les symptômes chez l’homme peuvent aller de modérés à graves : nausées, douleurs abdominales, diarrhées, fièvre et parfois décès dans les cas les plus sévères de l’infection où de nombreuses larves sont consommées.

« La trichinellose a été qualifiée de “maladie infectieuse négligée chez les peuples autochtones de l’Arctique”. Mais, grâce à mes recherches et à l’obtention de ce prix plein de sens, je peux braquer les projecteurs dessus pour sensibiliser le public », souligne Mme Edmunds.  

Annie Buscemi, qui est originaire du Nunavut, est la première gagnante du prix de la Jeune femme inuk de l’année, décerné dans une nouvelle catégorie destinée aux 16-35 ans. Cette apprentie électricienne a commencé à souffrir d’anxiété après une blessure à la main mal diagnostiquée. En octobre 2020, elle s’est mise à publier sur plusieurs plateformes de médias sociaux des « raisons de rester en vie aujourd’hui » en s’exprimant en tant qu’Inuk. Elle a rapidement gagné plus de 10 300 abonnés rien que sur TikTok.

Mme Buscemi sait susciter l’intérêt et elle se montre encourageante. Elle intègre des aspects de la culture inuit dans ses publications quotidiennes. « J’espère faire revivre une culture qui semblait sur le point de s’éteindre, note-t-elle. Je connais de jeunes Inuit qui connaissent de vrais problèmes d’identité, alors j’aime souligner les aspects uniques de notre culture dans lesquels nous pouvons puiser de la force. »

Mme Buscemi attribue à ses abonnées le mérite de lui avoir donné la force de continuer, et il est clair que le soutien est mutuel. « Le plus émouvant pour moi, c’est quand une personne de ma petite ville natale de Kimmirut prend le temps de me dire que les messages quotidiens l’ont vraiment aidée, ajoute-t-elle. Le sentiment que j’éprouve alors est indescriptible. »

« La reconnaissance que l’association PIWC m’a accordée en me décernant ce prix compte énormément pour moi, conclut Mme Buscemi. Je n’avais pas réalisé que mes raisons de rester en vie auraient un tel impact sur moi et sur les autres lorsque j’ai commencé mon énumération. »

Awards celebrate the inspiring achievements of Inuit women

OTTAWA, February 11, 2021 – A researcher investigating a public health intervention that promotes food security and an anti-suicide social media influencer were named Inuk Woman of the Year and Young Inuk Woman of the Year respectively by Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (PIWC) at its recent Annual General Meeting.

“These awards recognize and celebrate the best qualities of Inuit women,” said Rebecca Kudloo, President of Pauktuutit.  “After such a tough year with the pandemic, our communities needed examples of strength and resilience more than ever, and we found it in the inspiring leadership and achievements of these two women.”

In the over age 36 category, Sharon Edmunds was named Inuk Woman of the Year for her commitment to building scientific knowledge in the North among Inuit and her determination to help establish a testing service to ensure Inuit ‘country food’, specifically walrus, is clear of a parasite that causes disease in humans.  

Originally from Nunatsiavut, Edmunds is currently completing her Ph.D. in Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, where her work is benefiting all Inuit.  She is conducting ground-breaking research on the prevention of human infection from the parasite Trichinella, a microscopic roundworm that can infect walrus meat that Inuit traditionally eat raw.  

“I want to arm Inuit with knowledge about the parasite and the existence of a test that limits the potential for developing Trichinellosis infection in people and communities,” says Edmunds.  Symptoms in humans can be moderate to severe: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever and sometimes death can result in the most serious cases of the infection where lots of larvae are consumed.

“Trichinellosis has been called a ‘neglected infection among Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic’, so between my research and winning this meaningful award I’m able to shine a spotlight on it to raise awareness,” explains Edmunds.  

Nunavut’s Annie Buscemi was named the inaugural winner of Young Inuk Woman of the Year, presented for the first time in a category for those aged 16-35.  After a misdiagnosed hand injury left this apprentice electrician struggling with anxiety, in October 2020 she began posting Inuit-specific ‘Reasons to Stay Alive Today’ on several social media platforms, quickly earning her more than 10,300 followers on TikTok alone.

“Not working was very tough and affected my mental state,” says Buscemi.  “Scrolling through TikTok, I came across someone in the U.S. listing reasons to live until mental health services are universally affordable and accessible.  That certainly applied to Nunavut, so I decided it would be great to recreate it as Inuk-specific.”

Buscemi’s engaging and encouraging manner incorporates aspects of Inuit culture into her daily affirmations. “I hope to bring a once-dying culture back to life,” she explains.  “I know some Inuit youth who really struggle with their identity, so I love to point out unique aspects of our culture that we can find strength in.”

Buscemi credits her followers with keeping her going, and clearly the support is mutual.  “The most moving thing for me is when someone from my small hometown of Kimmirut takes the time to tell me the daily posts really helped them,” she says.  “It gives me a feeling I’m unable to describe.”

“Pauktuutit’s recognition of me with this Award means the world to me,” said Buscemi.  “When I started listing reasons to stay alive, I never realized it would have this much of an impact, on myself and on others.”

Calgary, AB (February 11, 2021) – Industry leader TC Energy is partnering with PLATO Testing for the next two years through a $200,000 investment to support the training and development of Indigenous software testers. PLATO trains and employs Indigenous software testers to provide diverse software testing solutions to clients throughout North America.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support provided by TC Energy,” said PLATO President, Denis Carignan. “It is encouraging to see one of Canada’s top energy organizations investing in the important work we are doing at PLATO. Through their support, TC Energy is creating opportunities for Indigenous people, helping to meet the increasing demand for quality software testing, and addressing labour market shortages.”

The PLATO Indigenous Software Tester training program annually provides approximately 30 students with five months of in-class and hands-on training followed by a work placement with leading Canadian companies. Students who successfully complete the program will be offered full-time employment as software testers with PLATO Testing.

“This past year, our Information Services department has benefited from the valuable contributions made by our PLATO Indigenous software tester team members,” said Chris Foster, Vice President of Information Systems and Chief Information Officer at TC Energy.

“As we are committed to helping build community capacity through workplace training and education initiatives in the communities where we do business, we are honoured to partner with PLATO to help build the next generation of specialized, professional software testers in Indigenous communities.”

TC Energy’s support of the PLATO Testing software tester training program will encourage the development of necessary skills in future cohorts of software testing professionals while providing a path to economic reconciliation through software testing.

About PLATO Testing

PLATO Testing was founded in 2015 by Keith McIntosh, CEO of testing firm Professional Quality Assurance Ltd. PLATO is striving to build a network of 1000 Indigenous software testers across Canada. PLATO currently employs more than 30 full-time Indigenous software testers, making a positive impact for clients from coast to coast. PLATO Testing has offices on or near Indigenous communities across Canada, in Fredericton, Miramichi, Sault Ste Marie, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

February 11, 2021 — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island  — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is rebuilding the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous peoples through supporting the right to self-determination. A key part of this work is through the Nation Rebuilding Program.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada has provided almost $1.8 million this fiscal year to five Indigenous groups from Atlantic Canada through the Nation Rebuilding Program. Minister Bennett met virtually with Epekwitk Assembly of Councils to learn more about the work being undertaken in their nation and their unique priorities and needs.

Funding this year will enable the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils to continue their capacity-building and community engagement activities in support of nation rebuilding through “L’nuey”, the Epekwitk Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative. Activities include:

• The development of the Epekwitk Mi’kmaq Vision document to guide their path towards self-government,
• Research and engagement with respect to citizenship, and
• The development of education tools that will empower the Mi’kmaq as well as educate and inform the broader PEI community.

In Budget 2018, the Government invested $100 million over five years to support Indigenous groups’ efforts to rebuild their governance structures and reconstitute their nations.

Over the past three years, since the Budget 2018 announcement, Indigenous communities and groups in Atlantic Canada have received $4.3 million in funding through the Nation Rebuilding Program.       

The Government of Canada will continue to work with Indigenous peoples in Atlantic Canada on advancing reconciliation and supporting their right to self-determination.

Quotes

“The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils is pleased to see the Government of Canada supporting our nation rebuilding efforts. It is essential that we exercise our inherent rights and govern our own nations in order to create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.”

Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation
Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Co-Chair

“Assistance from the Canadian government to rebuild our nations’ capacity for self-determination signals true commitment towards reconciliation. It is long overdue for the PEI Mi’kmaq to have our own self-governing authority and rebuild governance structures within our communities.”

Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation
Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Co-Chair

“The Government of Canada is proud to support Indigenous groups in Atlantic Canada in revitalizing and rebuilding their nations in their own vision. By coming together and developing their own paths, Indigenous groups are asserting their right to self-determination as they build their nation’s capacity to govern effectively and deliver a better future for their citizens.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting groups like the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, who are rebuilding their nation and who want to help educate and inform the broader PEI community about the Mi’kmaq and their history. Investments through the Nation Rebuilding Program are needed to support Indigenous visions for self-determination and a stronger future for their governments and their people.”

Sean Casey
Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

Quick facts

• The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) recommended that Indigenous groups should begin to reconstitute themselves as nation.
• Supporting Indigenous groups rebuilding their nations is also an objective outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Under the Nation Rebuilding Program, $100 million in funding has been made available for five years, starting in 2018-19, to support Indigenous groups of the same nation in coming together to build capacity at the nation level.
• The five Indigenous groups in Atlantic Canada who will receive Nation Rebuilding funding for 2020-21 are: Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn in Nova Scotia, Mi’gmawe’I Tplu’taqnn and the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, Epekwitk Assembly of Councils in Prince Edward Island and NunatuKavut Community Council in Labrador.

February 11, 2021 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. 

Lakehead University’s Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC) has recently undergone a series of transformations following a thorough review of its bylaws, including revisions to its name, its mandate, and its membership. 

Formally known as the Ogimaawin Aboriginal Governance Council, the transition to Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council came after its members believed that the new name aligned their group with similar Indigenous Education councils at other Ontario universities.

The OIEC continues its evolution as an important advisory body to Lakehead University. Its members include representatives from surrounding Indigenous community organizations and the OIEC has representatives on the University’s Board of Governors and Senate.

The OIEC meets several times a year together as a Council, and also with Lakehead’s President, to discuss and advise on issues related to Indigenous post-secondary education opportunities. The renewed focus elevates the opportunities for membership and input from Indigenous organizations and members at large.  

“The Council members constitute an invaluable resource to our University community, and we are very grateful for the positive impacts they have had, and will continue to have, on Lakehead’s success,” Dr. McPherson said. 

Lakehead University’s Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC) recently named Valerie Stortini as its new Chair.

“The OIEC is an engaged group of people from the University community, as well as the community at large,” said Stortini, who joined the Council in 2017 and is the Employment Counsellor for the Apatisiwin Program at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. 

“We meet regularly and contribute in many ways to advancing Indigenous content in Lakehead University’s curriculum.  I look forward to continuing in my role as Chair of the OIEC,” she added.

Dr. McPherson added, “I look forward to working with Valerie and the other members of the OIEC as we continue to strengthen engagement with Indigenous communities and work together to enhance experiences and outcomes for Indigenous students.”

Through its Strategic and Academic Plans, Lakehead University has committed to continuing to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Universities Canada’s Principles on Indigenous Education, recognizing that education is key to reconciliation and to the creation of a culture of understanding and appreciation throughout the University that will support a more equitable future for Indigenous people. 

In alignment with the University’s Strategic and Academic Plans, the OIEC conveys the interests and concerns of Indigenous communities and serves as a channel of communication between Indigenous peoples and the University regarding issues that affect Indigenous post-secondary education.

The OIEC is currently undergoing a recruitment campaign to fill 10 vacancies on the Council. There are currently seven vacancies for members from Thunder Bay and Simcoe County organizations and three for at-large members. 

Joining the OIEC is an opportunity to make long-lasting contributions to quality education and experiences at Lakehead University, ultimately benefitting students and the communities that Lakehead serves.

There is no deadline to apply. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis. Visit the recruitment section of the website for more information. 

To learn more about the OIEC, visit lakeheadu.ca/about/sg/ogimaawin-indigenous-education-council-oiec-/about.

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre will be delivering two virtual courses on behalf of the  Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario 

Walkerton, ON — The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to announce that it will  be delivering two virtual courses at the upcoming Assembly of First Nations 4^th Annual Water  Symposium. 

On behalf of the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario (AWWAO), WCWC will  be delivering Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities and New  Watermain Commissioning. WCWC is proud to work with AWWAO to make this training available  to First Nations Chiefs, Councillors, managers and supervisors who have operational  responsibility for water systems, and drinking water operators. 

The 4^th Annual Water Symposium will be held virtually on February 17 and 18, 2021. The theme  of the event is “Protecting Water During Uncertain Times”. Access to safe, clean water is more  important than ever as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the uncertainty  facing First Nations with respect to water. For more information about the 4^th Annual Water  Symposium, please visit afn.ca/2021-water-symposium/ or learn more from AWWAO at  awwao.org. 

Background: WCWC is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004, to help  ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province. WCWC coordinates and provides  education, training and information to drinking water system owners, operators and operating  authorities, and the public, in order to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water. To date, high-quality  drinking water training has been provided to more than 93,000 participants across Ontario.  Through partnerships, WCWC also provides training for the 134 First Nations communities in  Ontario. For more information please visit www.wcwc.ca.