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WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025
Message from the Executive Director
Greetings Members and Supporters,

I hope you’re all staying warm during this frigid Saskatchewan February. The sundogs have been absolutely spectacular, though I know the extreme cold brings its own challenges.

Here at SFNWA, we’ve been hard at work developing an exciting new training opportunity, which we’ll be sharing details about soon.
We’re also deep into planning for the 2025 SFNWA Conference and Trade Show, ensuring it’s our best yet! One highlight I’m especially looking forward to is watching SFNWA member and water treatment systems operator Vernon Lewis and his band, High Limit, perform at this year’s banquet. It’s going to be a fantastic evening of music and celebration!

Additionally, I’m pleased to share that we’ve welcomed two new board members to our governing body. Their leadership and insights will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization.

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best—stay warm, and stay tuned for more updates!

Rebecca Zagozewski
2025 Conference News
Keynote Speaker for 2025 Conference: Cadmus Delorme The SFNWA is honoured to announce the keynote speaker for the 2025 SFNWA Conference is the inspirational Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux leader from Saskatchewan. He is the Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Regina and former Chief of Cowessess First Nation. During his tenure as Chief, he led the validation of unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School, garnering international attention, and secured Canada’s first agreement to return child welfare jurisdiction to a First Nation. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and is a passionate advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation. Delorme has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals for his leadership. Residing on Cowessess First Nation with his family, he continues to champion economic sustainability, cultural revitalization, and inclusive governance. We look forward to hearing his words of wisdom.
JJ Lavallee Headlining Networking Event

Get ready for another unforgettable evening in Bess Gardens! Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Award-winning artist JJ Lavallee and his band are set to take the stage at the exclusive networking event following the 2025 trade show. Their high-energy performance will set the perfect vibe for connecting, celebrating, and closing out the day in style.
High Limit in Bess Gardens

You may want to bring your dance partner to conference this year, as SFNWA member Vernon Lewis and his awesome band, High Limit, will be bringing their signature energy and talent to the stage after the banquet and awards ceremony. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love great live music, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
Make Your Voice Heard

Attention SFNWA Members – We Need Your Input! 

Help shape the future of CEU classes offered by the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association! Your feedback will guide us in choosing the most relevant and valuable topics.

It’s quick, easy, and makes a real impact! Plus, as a thank-you, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of two $50 gift cards! Click below to take the survey now!
Take Survey Now
Free In-Person CEU Training

FREE CEU Training Available for Tribal Councils & First Nations!

The Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association (SFNWA) is proud to offer free CEU training to tribal councils and First Nations. Our team of instructors, Melanie Kytwayhat, Leroy Josie, Somto Ufondu and Warrick Baijius, provide an interactive learning experience that is educational and fun while incorporating group discussion and problem-solving into the learning experience.

✅ Two-day sessions – Earn 1.0 CEU
✅ One-day sessions – Earn 0.5 CEU

Interested in bringing CEU training to your community? Contact Lisa at the SFNWA office at (306) 952-0402 to schedule your training.
Operator Certification & Training Update
Did you know that WPI’s standardized certification exams are changing? Except for Saskatchewan’s wastewater test, exams are based on the ‘usual’ tasks of a municipal water operator. We all know that water plants on-reserve are not ‘usually’ like a municipality, which is why we are working hard to adapt the new list of tasks to training and exams that reflect the work you do in your communities.
Meet Your New Board Members
We are pleased to welcome Monica McArthur and Shawn Mahingen to the SFNWA board of directors. Both bring with them years of experience and great energy. We are looking forward to their contribution to the board meeting over the next two years.
You can learn more about Monica and Shawn here.
Snowed in and in need of some CEUs?
Walkerton Clean Water Centre can help!

Starting tomorrow - Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities Course – Virtual

February 19-20, 2025
9:00 am EST to 1:00 pm each day
0.7 CEUs
Course registration fee is complimentary. 
Accepting registrations up to 4:00 pm EST today (Tuesday).
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you think would be interested in attending!
Email amcintyre@wcwc.ca if you would like to join us!

The Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities (MWFNC) course is designed as an introduction to management practices related to the drinking water systems in First Nations communities.

The course:

  • provides a high-level overview of drinking water systems,
  • explores components of effective drinking water system management,
  • provides resources and practical tools for consideration in developing or making improvements to current practices.
If you have any questions, please contact Alicia McIntyre from the Walkerton Clean Water Centre at 226-444-5175

 
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