2024 Award Winners & Sponsors
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kyle Blixt, BCL Project Engineer (left) presenting the awaed to Bert Chaboyer, Cumberland House Water Systems Operator
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a First Nations water systems professional who has dedicated his or her career to serving their community through their trade. It is awarded to someone who has made a difference in the lives of community members and in the industry, possibly even sacrificing aspects of his/her life to do so. The award recipient has served others with respect and helped to improve the ways that water operation, maintenance, monitoring, and/or planning/policies are carried out in their community, Tribal Council, region, and/or across Turtle Island.
Bert Chaboyer, from Cumberland House Cree Nation, is the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honoured with a trophy, a Pendleton blanket, and a $2,000 prize sponsored by BCL Engineering Ltd. (BCL).
Despite offers for jobs outside the community and even the province, Bert has remained committed to his role, dedicated to serving his community. His choice to stay close to home allowed him to balance his work with raising his children and numerous grandchildren, enriching both his personal and professional life. While he may have sacrificed higher-paying jobs with better benefits, Bert's true reward has been staying rooted in his community, witnessing his grandchildren grow up and being a constant presence in their lives.
Hans Peterson Operator Award
The Hans Peterson Operator Award is presented to a Saskatchewan First Nations water systems operator who demonstrates enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn in their role. The recipient is recognized for excellent record-keeping skills and maintaining certification throughout their career.
Marnie Francis, from Piapot First Nation, is the winner of the 2024 Hans Peterson Operator Award. She was honoured with a trophy and a $1,000 prize sponsored by Delco Water.
Last year, the Piapot First Nation faced a significant challenge when sewage contamination affected their reservoir during a construction project. Marnie and her team acted quickly to address the issue, despite being unfairly blamed for the contamination. It took several months to lift the Boil Water Advisory (BWA), but their persistence paid off. Marnie’s resilience and dedication in managing this crisis make her a well-deserved recipient of this award.
Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award
Mark Keller (ATAP) presenting the awards to Ryanda Henry-Lavallee (Piapot First Nation) and Bluejay Jimmy (Thunderchild First Nation)
The Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award is presented to Saskatchewan First Nations Operators-in-Training (OITs) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to learning the intricacies of water systems. These individuals have shown a strong desire to gain hands-on experience with their community’s water system and have pursued various educational opportunities—both on and off-reserve—to further their knowledge in the field.
Ryanda Henry-Lavallee, from Piapot First Nation, and Bluejay Jimmy, from Thunderchild First Nation, are the 2024 recipients of the Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award. Each received a trophy and a $750 cheque sponsored by ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd.
Ryanda is a hardworking mother who has dedicated the last two years to learning the nuances of water operation and management. Her goal has always been to ensure that the water systems she operates produce the highest quality water. She completed a one-year internship with Delco Automation in January, and since then, she has continued to pursue certifications, paying for tests out of her own pocket when necessary. Despite facing challenges, including not being given a chance to work with Piapot’s water system, Ryanda has expanded her knowledge by working with rural water plants and remains determined to keep learning. Her perseverance and commitment to improving her skills, even when times have been tough, make her a deserving recipient of this award.
Bluejay has been employed by Thunderchild First Nation to eventually take over from an Operator who retired early due to medical issues. In addition to her Operator training, she is pursuing Power Engineering, which complements her current role. Bluejay has demonstrated excellent skills in water treatment and has completely restructured the plant's record-keeping system. She also oversees the operation of two plants in the community, managing them efficiently while working constructively with both staff and community members. As Thunderchild continues to upgrade its Water Plant, Bluejay remains deeply involved in the process. Moreover, she is a strong role model for the community, especially for upcoming graduates, and is culturally committed to the traditional role of women as water keepers.
Best Tasting Water Award
Ira Aisaican (Cowessess First Nation) presents the award to James Cappo (Muscowpetung First Nation)
The Best Tasting Water Award is presented to a Saskatchewan First Nations water system that has produced water of exceptional taste and quality. This award recognizes a community that has prioritized ensuring its water is safe, clean, and refreshing for its members. The recipient has implemented innovative methods to enhance the taste and quality of their water while maintaining a strong commitment to ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the system. The award winner exemplifies how First Nations communities can provide their members access to high-quality drinking water.
Muscowpetung First Nation is the winner of the 2024 Best Tasting Water Award. They received a trophy and a $1,000 prize sponsored by Cowessess First Nation.
The operators who made this happen include James Cappo, Rodney McKay Jr., and Solomon Asham.