2023 Award Winners & Sponsors

Lifetime Achievement Award

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.

Robert (Bob) Pratt, from George Gordon First Nation, is the winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. He received a trophy, a Pendleton blanket, and a $2,000 prize sponsored by BCL Engineering Ltd. (BCL).

Robert is like the sensei to everyone in his community, carrying on the legacy of Dr. Hans Peterson, with whom he worked. Robert has been in the industry for 50 years, and now that he is close to 80, he is planning his retirement.

Hans Peterson Operator Award

The Hans Peterson Operator Award is presented to a Saskatchewan First Nations water systems operator who carries out their duties as an operator with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. The winner has great record-keeping skills and has maintained their certification throughout their career as an operator.

Nathaniel Ahenakew, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, is the winner of the 2023 Hans Peterson Operator Award. He received a trophy and a $1,000 prize sponsored by Delco Water.

In addition to carrying out his duties as an operator with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn, Nathaniel has been a great help and resource person, with his knowledge of water, for the Ahtahkakoop Health Centre. The health centre is now more prepared to start implementing what they have learned from Nathaniel, in their maternal child health program.

Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award

The recipient of the Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award is a Saskatchewan First Nations Operator-in-Training (OIT) who has demonstrated their commitment and devotion to learning their trade. The award winner is an OIT who has made a significant effort to gain experience with their community’s water system and who is a dedicated learner. The award winner is someone who has aspired to acquire different educational opportunities - both on reserve and off reserve, to further their knowledge about water systems in First Nations.

Jamie Koochicum, from Peepeekisis First Nation, is the winner of the Up-and-Coming Water Operator Award. She received a trophy and a $750 cheque, sponsored by ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd.

Jamie is a new backup operator-in-training for Peepeekisis First Nation’s biological water treatment plant and is a very motivated and dedicated individual. She has shown to be a great role model as she is also a volunteer firefighter in the community.

Best Tasting Water Award

The Best Tasting Water Award is presented to a Saskatchewan First Nations water system that has demonstrated exceptional taste and quality. The winner is a community that has taken great care in ensuring that their water is safe, clean, and refreshing for their members to drink. The award recipient has implemented innovative methods to improve the taste and quality of their water and has shown a commitment to ongoing monitoring and maintenance of their water system. The winner of this award is a shining example of how First Nations communities can provide their members with access to high-quality drinking water.

Saulteaux First Nation is the winner of the 2023 Best Tasting Water Award. They received a trophy and a $1,000 prize sponsored by Cowessess First Nation.