Keewaytinook Okimakanak and the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario sign agreement
Dryden, ON – The Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario (AWWAO) and Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) have entered into a formal partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address First Nations water and wastewater issues across Ontario.
A signing ceremony for the MOU was held at the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence on October 12, 2016, and witnessed by Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett.
“AWWAO represents the largest group of certified First Nations water and wastewater operators in Ontario and has been a strong voice for Indigenous water operators for over thirty years,” said AWWAO Vice Chairperson Wes Morriseau. “We are pleased to build on our experience and collaborate with KO on the development of sustainable water management systems.”
“We look forward to working with AWWAO and First Nations across this province to advance community-based water and wastewater initiatives such as the Safe Water Project,” said KO Chief Executive Director Geordi Kakepetum. “AWWAO has significant experience in helping train Indigenous water operators, which is one of the foundations of the Safe Water Project.”
Under the MOU, AWWAO will provide all operational personnel for KO’s drinking water initiatives, with KO providing administrative, technical and supervisory capacity to prospective projects.
