For more than a decade, Water First has worked alongside Indigenous communities across Canada to strengthen local capacity to protect and manage water resources. The organization has partnered with more than 100 Indigenous communities, delivering community-led water science education, environmental water monitoring training, and drinking water operator development programs designed to address long-term water challenges.
A key focus of Water First’s work is its Drinking Water Internship Program, a paid 15-month program that provides more than 1,800 hours of hands-on training, classroom instruction, and practical experience at water treatment facilities. The program helps participants earn provincially recognized certifications while providing wraparound support such as tutoring, employment coaching, transportation assistance, and childcare resources. Since 2017, the program has graduated dozens of Indigenous water professionals who are helping communities manage their water systems safely and independently.
By investing in local skills and training, Water First is helping create a new generation of Indigenous water operators and environmental water professionals. Through Water for All, Atlas Copco Group is proud to support this important work and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities where safe water is available for generations to come.
Water for All is Atlas Copco Group’s primary community engagement initiative, funded through voluntary employee donations that are double matched by the company. Since 2010, the U.S. and Canadian organization has contributed over $4.5 million to support water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives both domestically, and worldwide.