Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory, Ontario - Indigenous Services Canada
Today, we celebrate the outstanding leadership of Vernon Lewis of Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and Craig Casimel and Peter Luggi of Stellat'en First Nation in British Columbia, the 2025 recipients of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award.
This award highlights the critical role of water leadership in supporting the health and well-being of First Nations communities. By honouring champions of clean and safe drinking water, the award raises awareness of ongoing efforts in water stewardship and the importance of sustainable solutions for future generations.
Vernon Lewis will be honoured at the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association's annual conference in Saskatoon tonight. The team award will be presented to Craig Casimel and Peter Luggi at the 16th Annual British Columbia & Yukon First Nation Water & Wastewater Operational Excellence event on October 8. These recipients exemplify the spirit of the award through their dedication to water stewardship, community empowerment, and long-term infrastructure solutions.
Honouring Water Champions
Vernon Lewis: Knowledge and Commitment
Vernon Lewis, a senior Water Treatment Operator and member of Onion Lake Cree Nation's infrastructure team, has exceeded all criteria for the National First Nations Water Leadership Award through his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and mentorship.
A dedicated mentor and Knowledge Keeper, Vernon works with students through hands-on learning, encouraging critical thinking and system-level understanding. His efforts are creating real career pathways for local youth. Despite his seniority, Vernon remains actively involved in day-to-day operations, earning deep respect across teams. He also played a central role in developing Onion Lake Cree Nation's Source Water Protection Plan, where both expert and community input were central to the process. Whether working with engineers, academic partners, government agencies, or his own community, Vernon brings people together with a shared goal: protecting water for future generations.
Craig Casimel & Peter Luggi: Transforming Water Management
In 2018, Craig Casimel and Peter Luggi of Stellat'en First Nation were deeply involved in the feasibility study for the community's water plant. Their leadership and dedication have continued ever since, earning them the 2025 team award.
Craig and Peter played a critical role in bringing key parties together for the construction of the plant, upgraded their certifications and training to meet the demands of the new system, and have operated the plant for the past seven years. They maintain clear communication with the community and Chief and Council regarding the state of potable water.
As the only two community members certified to operate the water plant, Peter and Craig fill a vital gap. Their work has modernized Stellat'en First Nation's water management, ensuring a safe, consistent water supply and transforming what was once a major community concern into a resolved issue. As their nominator noted, "Water used to be a problem in the community-and because of the work and training undertaken by Peter and Craig, it no longer is."
Nominations for the 2026 National First Nations Water Leadership Award
Nominations for the 2026 National First Nations Water Leadership Award will be accepted from January 2026 to April 2026. More details, including eligibility criteria and online nomination form, are available on Indigenous Services Canada's website.
