Are you interested in becoming a member of SFNWA?

Summer 2025 Newsletter
View this email in your browser
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025
Message from the Executive Director
Edlanete, Hau, Tansi, Anin, Hello.

I hope you’re finding moments to enjoy our short but beautiful Saskatchewan summer. For our Northern members, we hope the recent rains have brought relief and allowed many to return home.
I’ve been making the most of the summertime by enjoying activities with my three girls and tending to my garden.
Registration for our third annual SFNWA Conference and Trade Show is now well underway. We are looking forward to connecting with our members on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon, September 22-25.

The SFNWA staff is hard at work preparing for this year's conference. We are kicking off this year's event with a Water Ceremony, September 22, at 6 PM in the Bessborough Gardens, which will be open to the public and free of charge. The SFNWA Board recognizes the importance of ensuring that people have access not only to safe, drinkable water, but also to water teachings and Ceremony. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with our members, guests, and the wider community.

Rebecca Zagozewski
Training the Next Wave of Operators

The first cohort of trainees in our inaugural operator training is in its last module and will be completed before September! We would like to congratulate students on their dedication to learning, and are excited to continue our partnerships with SITAG and ATAP in delivering the next cohort training in Regina. Please contact us if you are interested in the program or have a placement opportunity for a newly trained First Nations operator!   
Brooke Hits the Pow Wow Trail

This summer, from June through August 2025, the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association (SFNWA) has attended four pow wows to date: Red Pheasant, Sweetgrass, Big River, and TATC. We’re not done yet! In the coming weeks, we’ll be at Poundmaker and Big Island Lake pow wows, as well as Mistawasis Nehiyawak Treaty Day.

Our Information Analyst, Brooke, has been on the road engaging Nations, sharing information about SFNWA, and connecting with Chiefs, councils, and community members. Along the way, we’ve given out prizes, swag, water, and sweet treats. We also welcomed 45 new subscribers to our seasonal newsletter.

We’re proud to be engaging with First Nations across Saskatchewan, from Treaty Ten in the North to Treaty Four in the South. If you see us at an upcoming pow wow or Treaty Day, stop by our booth for a chance to win prizes, pick up some swag, and stay hydrated!
Nominate an Outstanding Water Operator
Do you know a water systems operator on a First Nation who goes above and beyond for their community? Nominate them today for one of the SFNWA awards: 
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award - Sponsored by BCL Engineering Ltd.
  • The Hans Peterson Operator Award - Sponsored by DelcoWater
  • The Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award - Sponsored by ATAP
To start a nomination form or for more information on the guidelines for each award, please click the link below.
 
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Get Registered for the 2025 SFNWA Conference

Connection, Community & Honouring the Water:
📣 Make your voice heard at the AGM
💧Obtain CEUs
👋🏽 Connect with other Operators 
💦 Network with suppliers
🦬 Participate in Ceremony 
🥇 Enjoy SK's best First Nations speakers and entertainers!

Register for the 2025 SFNWA AGM, Conference and Trade Show, September 22-25, at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. If you are a First Nations Water Operator, Water Technician, Water Monitor, or Water Delivery Driver, your mileage, room and meals will be covered by the SFNWA. You can also select the option to direct bill your band or tribal council for the registration fee. Click the link below and fill out the required information to secure your spot.
 
REGISTER NOW
2025 Fall Water Ceremony - September 22

The 2025 SFNWA Conference will open at 6 PM with a Fall Water Ceremony in the lovely Gardens of the Delta Bessborough, led by Knowledge Keepers Norma Rabbitskin and Josephine Wichihin. This Ceremony is free of charge and open to the public. Please bring protocol.
Write an Exam
Have you been studying and preparing to level up your certification? Please call Stacey at the SFNWA office if you would like to write an exam on September 22 at the Conference (306) 952-0402.
Be a Voice for Water, Wellness & Community

 Join the SFNWA Board of Directors. The board is looking for First Nations people who care deeply about water, wellness, and the future of our Nations.

As a board member, you’ll help guide SFNWA’s direction, ensure our work reflects community needs, and advocate for stronger, more sustainable water systems across Saskatchewan.

Whether you’re an operator, a leader, an Elder, or a passionate community member, your voice belongs at the table.
BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION
Facebook Page
Email
Website
Copyright © 2025 The Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association Inc., All rights reserved.
 Test

Our mailing address is: 103B Packham Avenue, Suite 101, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 4K4

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.