Monday, March 16, 2026
On March 21 National Indigenous Water Operator Day (NIWOD) recognizes the contributions of Indigenous water operators in getting clean water to communities across the nation.
Held the day before World Water Day, the event “honours operators who work every day to ensure safe, clean drinking water in communities across the country. NIWOD recognizes the skill, dedication, and responsibility operators carry in protecting public health and water systems,” a release from operator-led advocacy group Water Movement said.
the event is marked by celebratory events such as the illumination in blue of Niagara Falls on the evening of March 21, which can be viewed via livestream.
During NIWOD 2024operators met with Members of Parliament, senators and federal ministers and both then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote letters of support.
Other recognition of the day includes a Banff gondola celebration where operators stood on top of Sulphur Mountain in Alberta to symbolize their role in community safety and acknowledgement of the day during a Calgary Flames game.
Water Movement also encourages informal gatherings such as ceremonies and moments of recognition, water plant tours and open houses, and student or youth visits to learn about water operations and careers.
The group also has operator resources, a library of on-demand training videos, an operator forum and resource hub on its website.
