We’re pleased to announce that Canadian Water Network (CWN) has established an Indigenous Water Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC).

As an organization, we are committed to engagement and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, as reflected in CWN’s 2024-29 strategic plan.

Over the coming years, the IWMAC will:

• Advise on the culturally inclusive needs of Indigenous-led organizations working in water management — including drinking water provision, climate adaptation and mitigation, and public health — and how CWN can support these efforts.
• Recommend potential strategic partners with experience in Indigenous water and wastewater management and related sectors, and help facilitate connections.
• Provide input on CWN and Canadian Water Network Foundation (CWN Foundation) proposals, programs, and projects related to Indigenous water and wastewater management and adjacent areas.
• Advise on partnership and funding opportunities for CWN and the CWN Foundation in collaboration with Indigenous-led organizations.
• Identify ways CWN can hire, procure from, engage with, and support Indigenous-led organizations and communities.
• Contribute to the development of governance models and systems that include Indigenous representation.
• Support CWN’s PAIR accreditation process as needed.

Membership on the committee draws from Indigenous-led organizations, Indigenous academics, and Indigenous Knowledge Holders whose work relates to water and wastewater management, infrastructure, and associated fields.

Selina Young from Toronto Water and Norine Littlechild from Samson Cree First Nation are co-chairs of the committee. Members of the committee include:

• Kelly Lendsay, Indigenous Works.
• Terri Lynn Morrison, Luminary.
• Kerry Ann Charles, Ne’ikaanigaana Inc.
• Tyler Ball, Indigenous Water Partnership.
• Amanda Johnston, One Yukon Coalition.
• Geoff Reimer, Southern Chiefs’ Organization.
• Katarina Djordjevic, Southern Chiefs’ Organization.
• Susheel Arora, Atlantic First Nations Water Authority.

Establishing this committee builds on work we have been doing as part of joining the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program to help improve how we engage with Indigenous communities, Indigenous businesses, and Indigenous-led organizations across all our work.