National First Nations Water Leadership Award
The annual National First Nations Water Leadership Award recognizes First Nations individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership and outstanding dedication to the advancement of clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities, today and for future generations.
Call for nominations
Nominations for the 2025 National First Nations Water Leadership Award are now being accepted. Submit your nomination using the online form by May 31, 2025.
Nominees and Recipients
To read more about the 2024 recipients and nominees, as well as past recipients, visit National First Nations Water Leadership Award nominees and recipients.
On this page
About the Award
National First Nations Water Leadership Award began in 2018 and is open annually to nominations for eligible candidates. An advisory committee of First Nations organizations and past recipients reviews the nominations. Nominees receive a congratulatory letter and pin to acknowledge their contributions and leadership. The recipient of the award receives a trophy and an art piece of their choosing.
Who is eligible
Eligible candidates are:
- First Nations individuals, community members or leaders
- First Nations organizations
- First Nations communities
Eligible candidates must have demonstrated leadership and made outstanding contributions to the advancement of clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities through their extraordinary involvement in First Nations water-related issues by:
- providing leadership related to water, such as ending long-term drinking water advisories, protecting source water or raising awareness about drinking water protection
- demonstrating innovation in relation to water, such as the development or advancement of new practices or offering creative solutions
- inspiring others through the creation, promotion or advancement of Indigenous community-based outreach or programs in support of clean and safe drinking water
- sharing knowledge through their work and achievements that support clean and safe drinking water including relationship building, training or mentoring
- demonstrating collaboration skills through developing strong relationships and working in partnership with others to improve water outcomes
How to submit a nomination
The online form is available now for nominations for the 2025 National First Nations Water Leadership Award.
Nomination guidelines:
- Nominations can be resubmitted for nominees who did not receive the award
- Self-nominations are accepted
- Previous recipients cannot be re-nominated
- Government of Canada employees cannot submit nominations
- Incomplete nominations will not be accepted
Deadline
Nominations for the 2025 National First Nations Water Leadership Award will be accepted until May 31, 2025.