National Indigenous Water Operator Day at Carleton University

• In-person event
• 238, Tory Building, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
• Cost: FREE (RSVP required)

• Contact
• Shoeleh Shams, ShoelehShams@cunet.carleton.ca

Join us for a powerful discussion with Indigenous Water Operators!

Hosted by the Carleton Global Water Institute, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Water Movement, this panel discussion brings together Indigenous water operators to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in ensuring clean drinking water for their communities.

Water is life, yet many Indigenous communities in Canada continue to face ongoing challenges in accessing safe drinking water. Josée Street (Martin Clan, ON) and Rod Badger (Sucker Creek First Nation, AB)—two experienced Indigenous water operators—will share their frontline perspectives on water management and discuss how engineers, students, and policymakers can contribute to meaningful solutions.

What to Expect:

• Real stories from Indigenous water operators

• Insights on the challenges & successes in water management

• How engineers can collaborate for better water solutions

• Q&A session with the speakers

This event is open to all students, faculty, and community members.

Please note: Tickets are FREE but registration is required

SPEAKERS

Josée Street (Martin Clan, ON) – Water Operator & Water Keeper

Josée Street is an experienced water operator and water keeper from the Martin Clan in Ontario. With a deep commitment to protecting her community’s water supply, she has worked tirelessly to ensure clean and safe drinking water for future generations. Josée is passionate about sharing her knowledge, advocating for sustainable water solutions, and inspiring the next generation of water protectors.

Rod Badger (Sucker Creek First Nation, AB) – Circuit Rider & Water Operator

Rod Badger is a water operator from Sucker Creek First Nation, Alberta, dedicated to improving water systems in Indigenous communities across all of Alberta. With extensive hands-on experience managing water treatment facilities, Rod has seen both the struggles and successes of water operations in Indigenous communities. He is a strong advocate for collaboration between operators, engineers, and policymakers to address long-standing water challenges.

About Water Movement

Water Movement is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous water operators and advancing safe drinking water solutions in Indigenous communities. The organization provides an online platform where operators can connect, ask questions, and share lessons learned, as well as a video learning library with 200+ instructional videos to assist operators in daily operations and maintenance.

Water Movement also engages in youth outreach to inspire the next generation of water operators and has led initiatives like National Indigenous Water Operator Day, bringing operators together to share their experiences and inform policy discussions. The organization is guided by an all-Indigenous board of directors and works collaboratively with engineers, policymakers, and community leaders to create meaningful change in water management.

Join us in supporting Indigenous water operators and learning how we can all be part of the solution!