Monday, March 23, 2026
On March 21 federal ministers of Indigenous Services Canada Mandy Gull-Masty announced the 2026 recipients of the 2026 National First Nations Water Leadership Award in both the individual and team categories.
Monica McColman is the winner in the individual category and the Water Treatment Facility of Walpole Island Fist Nation in Ontario won in the team category.
“Congratulations to this year’s National First Nations Water Leadership Award recipients. Indigenous water operators play a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of their communities by supporting safe and reliable drinking water systems. Today, we celebrate the dedication, leadership and expertise of these award recipients, and of water operators across the country who help build stronger First Nations communities,” Gull-Masty said.
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, an Indigenous Services Canada release said. She was recognized for her work with the Circuit Rider Training Program and supported 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,” the release said.
Colin Peters, Joshua Schram, Jalen Fisher, Raven Kicknosway, Brooklin Sword, and Brayden Sands of the Mandy Gull-MastyTeam received 2026 Team Water Leadership Award.
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, the release said.
“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,” the release added.
84 nominations were received for the 2026 National First Nations Water Leadership Award. Nominees are First Nations individuals, community members or leaders, or First Nations organizations, teams or communities and nominations are reviewed by an advisory committee of First Nations organizations and past winners.
