WC137 JulyAug 2024 - Magazine - Page 35
Water Movement
executing, and managing projects. During capstone
projects, students work to solve real-world problems
while navigating the typical constraints of budget,
timeline, and resources. Capstone projects offer a
unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand
project management experience.
There is another force at play here, one that is
hoping to support this cause by lifting up operators
and giving them the missing connection they need to
not just do their critical work, but also sustain their
profession into the next generation. Water Movement
(WM) is a prominent, national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous operators
across Canada. Over the years, WM has continually
adapted to meet the evolving needs of operators.
They’ve developed an online platform that facilitates
connections and enables operators to seek guidance.
They’ve also produced over a hundred troubleshooting and maintenance videos that feature experts who
have helped lift advisories in their own communities.
Water Movement has even begun a national day to
recognize and honour operators, National Indigenous
Water Operator Day (NIWOD). Currently, WM is
spearheading the largest national operator-led initiative, focused on improving operator retention, a major issue that plagues communities across the country.
One significant factor contributing to operators
leaving their communities or the profession altogether is a general lack of support, especially from those
who design the systems they operate. Strengthening
the relationship between engineers and operators is
paramount for enhancing equipment and process
operations, fostering an environment where operators feel comfortable asking questions, and fostering
better connections with engineers.
In Fall 2023, WM began a partnership with the
University of Calgary to provide an engineering capstone group to make strides in bridging the gap and
reshape the way engineers and operators collaborate.
Typically, capstone projects involve the students,
Clockwise from left: At this year’s University of Calgary Capstone Fair, over 700 students showcased more than 130 projects. The team
sponsored by Water Movement secured second place in the mechanical engineering division. University of Calgary students Anita Malekian,
Haaziq Altaf, Harshil Kalsi, Mackenzie Wallich, Mahad Afzal, and Raksha Achar leave behind the comforts of their classrooms and travel to
Tsuut’ina Nation for a site visit of the Lagoon. Here, they’re guided by Desmond Mitchell, Utilities Manager for Tsuut’ina Nation, and Carly
Daum, Operator.Stepping onto the site, Harshil Kalsi, Mackenzie Wallich, Anita Malekian, and Savitri Butterworth are struck by the vastness
of the lagoon, a moment that brings the challenges they’re facing into sharp focus. Site visits like these provide invaluable perspective,
helping students truly understand the scale of the issue.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
WATER C AN ADA • JULY/AUGUS T 2024
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