Grade 6, 7, and 8 students were involved in some Land-Based Learning on October 27, 28, and 29 at Fort LaCloche, supported by an organization called Water First. Water First is a non-governmental organization and a leading charity that works in partnership with Indigenous communities addressing water challenges through providing education, training opportunities, internships, and locally led collaboration. Founded in 2009, they first began working with Indigenous communities in Canada in 2012, to help communities who were struggling with water challenges. They have been delivering programming and support to Biidaaban and Sagamok for about the past three years.
Kaitlin Commanda, along with her coworker, Julianna, both Public School Engagement Coordinators with Water First, were on site at Fort La Cloche assisting Biidaaban senior students in learning about science, the environment in Sagamok, and the possibility of internships and career opportunities in these fields. While the senior students participated in these studies out in the field at Fort La Cloche, primary grades were given instruction by these representatives in the classroom.
Stacey Keysis, an intern for Water First working out of the Lands, Resources, and Environment (LRE) office at the Fort, was also on site and available to assist Kaitlin and the school classes over the three-day learning session. Stacey oversaw the collection of water samples the students gathered from the river where it cascades in a glorious waterfall above the Fort grounds, pooling down below in a vast wetland – home to an abundance offish, birds, and wildlife species. This area proved to be a favourite refuge for Biidaaban students who hopped from rock to rock, before landing on a large rock shelf to savour the tranquility and explore the beauty that abounds here.
Students were provided with a blue backpack from Water First, containing various tools for gathering water samples, testing methods to determine mineral levels and conductivity, plus booklets and measuring tools to record the data found such as temperature, date, location, and observations.
Fun Fact: “Water First and Sagamok Anishnaabek have restored 170 square meters of walleye spawning habitat at Fort LaCloche.” (WaterFirst Annual Report, 2023).
Water First is an organization dedicated to working with Indigenous communities across Canada. On this visit, they offered programs, education, and training to Biidaaban students. Their goal is to help develop the necessary confidence and skills to encourage interest in employment, internships, and higher education in the field of water science.