Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory, Ontario - Indigenous Services Canada
Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, recognizes the 2026 recipients of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award in both the individual and team categories: Monica McColman of Michel First Nation in Alberta, and the Water Treatment Facility Team of Walpole Island First Nation in Ontario.
This year's awards are especially meaningful as they coincide with National Indigenous Water Operator Day, which recognizes the essential role Indigenous water operators play in protecting community health and providing safe and reliable drinking water systems in First Nations communities. The day also highlights the importance of the profession and the leadership that water operators demonstrate in supporting strong and resilient communities.
The National First Nations Water Leadership Award recognizes individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing safe drinking water and water stewardship in First Nations communities.
Honouring Water Leadership
Monica McColman
Monica McColman, a proud member of the Michel First Nation in Treaty 6 territory and Chief Operating Officer at First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group, is this year's individual recipient of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award. For more than eight years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and technical expertise in strengthening operator capacity and water system reliability across Alberta.
Through her work with the Circuit Rider Training Program, she supported the elimination of long-term drinking water advisories, and her creation of accessible training pathways and strategic partnerships removed barriers to operator certification. Monica's contributions to national water governance, sector-wide initiatives, public awareness, and youth education will continue to inspire the next generation of water professionals while improving the safety and sustainability of First Nations water systems.
Water Treatment Facility Team of Walpole Island First Nation
Colin Peters, Joshua Schram, Jalen Fisher, Raven Kicknosway, Brooklin Sword, and Brayden Sands of the Walpole Island First Nation Water Treatment Facility Team are the recipients of the 2026 Team Water Leadership Award, recognized for their collaborative leadership and commitment to improving water management in their community.
During two major incidents in 2025, including a hydrocarbon spill in the St. Clair River and a chemical spill caused by a train derailment, the team activated emergency protocols, increased water quality monitoring, and worked closely with regional partners to protect the community's water supply. Using advanced monitoring technology, proactive risk management, and clear communication, they maintained public confidence while protecting public health. Beyond emergency response, the team collaborates across local departments, shares knowledge through community and school tours, and consistently goes above and beyond - often working around the clock - to provide safe, reliable drinking water for Walpole Island First Nation.
