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Aboriginal
Water & Wastewater Association of Ontario

Upcoming conferences and trade shows

Training & Events

Practical Certification Examinations

As an alternative to the traditional written certification exams, Ontario offers on-site practical certification examinations for experienced operators of First Nations drinking water systems. This enables experienced operators to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to obtain provincial certification.

Ontario has partnered with the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario (AWWAO) for the delivery of these practical certification examinations, ensuring a seamless process for operators seeking certification.

Timeline of Key Milestones:

1983-1984
AWWAO is founded

AWWAO was envisioned as a resource center for First Nations water and wastewater operators.

Mid-1990s
Received initial funding

AWWAO secures funding from Health Canada, later supplemented by Indigenous Services Canada.

1997-1998
AWWAO gains more support

Health Canada Ontario Region provided direct funding support.

2003
AWWAO becomes a non-profit incorporated entity.
2004
Branding created

Introduced our official logo, symbolizing the sacredness of water and interconnectedness of all life.

2010
Admin partnership

AWWAO is hosted by Ogemawahj Tribal Council for administration services

2011
AWWAO hires its first employee

AWWAO became a stand-alone organization and established the Operator of the Year award.

2012
Introduced new awards

Launched the Water Cup Challenge to recognize water quality excellence.

2013
New administration

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) took over administrative services.

2014
Introduced exam prep

Started hosting exam prep conferences to assist operators with certification.

2016
Hosted our first tradeshow

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KO and held our first Annual Tradeshow.

2018
Became trade-marked

Registered our Trade-marks Certificate and partnered with the Ontario Water and Wastewater Certification Office.

2019
Instructor of the year

Introduced the Gary Oja Instructor of the Year Award.

2021
The Water Stream

Launched the Water Stream monthly newsletter to keep communities informed on water management developments.