Four students from northwest B.C First Nations. are heading to Thompson Rivers University鈥檚 (TRU) this Fall as part of their inaugural water treatment operations program.

This specialized course, designed to address the unique challenges faced by remote Indigenous communities, aims to enhance access to clean water in areas like the Bulkley-Nechako region which despite the region鈥檚 abundant lakes and waterways.

The partnership between TRU and 亚洲天堂 Lake Native Development Corporation, which represents six local First Nations, made this opportunity possible, providing essential funding for the students.

鈥淲e are happy we can offer courses like this through our training centre and partner with TRU, our hard working team makes it all possible because we find funding to bring courses like this to 亚洲天堂 Lake,鈥� said General Manager Chantal Tom.

Between April and July, 13 students from 亚洲天堂 Lake completed the online component of the course, which included two intensive weeks of hands-on lab work in Kamloops.

Of these, four students 鈥� Clarissa Godard, Jamie Hurd, Destiney Michelle, and Sean Habsburg 鈥� are set to continue their studies in the on-campus diploma program this fall, with plans to graduate in 2025.

Godard and Hurd come from the Tachet Reserve of Lake Babine Nation, one of the communities involved in the landmark First Nations Drinking Water Settlement of 2021. This settlement allocated funds for infrastructure improvements to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water in First Nations.

Both of them have practical experience working at the Tachet water treatment plant, which has been instrumental in providing clean water to their community. They are motivated by the need to ensure a skilled workforce for the future.

鈥淚 joined this program specifically because I know they [Tachet] are looking for new staff to train, so that the current operator can pass down all her knowledge before the time comes for her to retire,鈥� Godard said in a statement released by TRU.

鈥淏eing able to make a difference would mean a lot,鈥� she added.

Michelle, from Skin Tyee Nation from the Southside, joined the program with a similar sense of purpose. Her community, along with neighbouring Nations and local farmers, rely heavily on their water source. Michelle鈥檚 goal is to support the next generation of water treatment operators in her community, who are nearing retirement.

鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for the operators, no one in my area would have sustainable, clean water,鈥� Michelle added in the same statement, emphasizing the crucial role of water treatment in maintaining the community鈥檚 well-being.

Sean Habsburg, a resident of Vanderhoof from Stellat鈥檈n First Nation, also brings a personal connection to the cause. Prior to 2008, the Stellako reserve鈥檚 water quality was severely compromised by high levels of manganese and arsenic.

While each of the students are excited to head to the university campus in Kamloops, they are also committed to improving water treatment and to contribute to their respective communities once their education is completed.

鈥淚 can return home and provide them with a service that will be continuous. Water will be forever needed, as water is life to all,鈥� Michelle said.