WC129 MarApr2023 - Flipbook - Page 10
OPERATORS
NIWOD operator attendees are shown on the Saddledome jumbotron at the March 18, 2022 game.
provides an opportunity for Elders to share stories
and traditions, and hold ceremonies, bridging the
connection between tradition and modern-day-roles,
serving both to expand Indigenous knowledge and
honour operators.
Inaugurating National Indigenous
Water Operator Day
In March 2022, Water Movement held the inaugural
NIWOD in Calgary, bringing together operators
from across the country to recognize, celebrate, and
honour them at Calgary City Hall. Elder Verna
Weasel Child of Siksika Nation shared a deep,
spiritual prayer, followed by a land acknowledgement
by Disa Crowchief of Siksika Nation. A smudging
ceremony by Elder Charlie Crow Child of Tsuut’ina
Nation blessed the space and officially kicked off the
event.
To acknowledge the work Canada still has to do to
end water advisories on Indigenous communities, to
recognize the often-overlooked efforts of Indigenous
operators, and to stand as allies with operators and
proclaim NIWOD, elected officials and government
leaders including city councillors, MLAs, the Minister of Indigenous Relations, and the Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services attended and spoke at the event. Nathan Neudorf, the
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure for
Alberta also acknowledged NIWOD at the Provincial
Assembly.
The ceremony featured an immersive art gallery that showcased portraits of Indigenous water
operators, along with the incredible stories behind
the heroes. Additionally, the gallery also showcased
breathtaking water-themed artwork by Indigenous
artists, with the contribution and curatorial assistance
of Darrell, of Reflections West Art.
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WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2023
As well, Water Movement partnered with the
National Hockey League and Calgary Flames, giving
operators from across Canada the opportunity to
break the ice—by attending a Calgary Flames hockey
game at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. The
operators were also interviewed to talk about their
tireless efforts in ensuring their communities have access to clean water everyday, which was aired during
the game and posted on social media channels.
NIWOD 2023
This March 21, Water Movement wants to ensure
every Indigenous operator feels honored and
acknowledged for their vital role in providing clean
drinking water to their communities. Working
with the Prime Minister’s Office, WM will be
mailing a letter of acknowledgement on behalf of
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to every Indigenous
community operator in the nation. As well, WM
encourages water organizations to celebrate their
water operators and professionals and invites them to
connect with WM to learn more about how they can
participate and celebrate this important day.
Far too many Indigenous communities still lack
access to clean drinking water. The issue is complex
and systemic, and until dealt with in a manner that
considers long-term solutions and targets root causes,
it will continue to linger.
Celebrating NIWOD is one way we can recognize
our communities’ often undervalued essential workers. In turn, operators will feel more empowered and
appreciated for their work as the first line of defense
between their community and water advisories.
Youth will recognize the importance of choosing a
career in water and willingly take on the roles and
responsibilities to continue providing water for their
communities.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Water Moveme
”Water Movement partnered with
the National Hockey League and
Calgary Flames, giving operators
from across Canada the opportunity
to break the ice—by attending a
Calgary Flames hockey game.”
