For decades, my community has dealt with water unfit for use and consumption. From repeated boil advisories to needing clean water shipped into the community, we have all felt the impacts of a colonial approach.

With AFNWA being included in the federal budget announcement in April 2022, we knew that we had the full support of the government that we assumed responsibilities from. Months later, in November, Minister Patty Hajdu made the Service Delivery Transfer Agreement official upon signing with Chief Wilbert Marshall, our Board Chair, and previous CEO Carl Yates, and AFNWA was ready for communities to become members of a new water and wastewater utility that is owned and operated by First Nations, for First Nations.

The Atlantic Chiefs and their Band Councils concluded that the Full Service Decentralized (FSD) structure is most consistent with their concept of ownership and values.

Although AFNWA began as an idea over a decade ago, and became incorporated in 2018, it should be shared that my participation in the journey is also just beginning. In my new role as Chief Executive Officer [CEO], I am eager to share my background and knowledge in water and wastewater services, and to learn from the knowledge and traditional customs of First Nations who we serve.

I greatly look forward to working with the Board, Community leaders and AFNWA staff to create better futures for all First Nations in Atlantic Canada.

We look forward to sharing our journey with everyone, as AFNWA is built for growth and ‘always open for business.’ When you see our team and emblem in your community, please feel free to reach out and say ‘hello’ to the hardworking staff who work and live in the communities we serve.

Soon we will take the lead in water and wastewater safety and improve service in our communities with a professional organization representing the communities we serve. Now we have an organization – owned by First Nations and operated by First Nations – a significant change from the colonial systems. The AFNWA will ensure that these services receive proper funding such that our communities can realize the social, economic and environmental benefits that other Canadians take for granted.

I was present during AFNWA’s earliest stages when it was only a concept; an idea of what can be done in the future. Today, I see efforts undertaken by the Government of Canada and First Nations leadership, and can tell our communities that “things are going to be better. Soon, these problems will be a thing of the past."

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It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome you to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority [AFNWA]. I welcome you to join our journey towards providing sustainable solutions in water and wastewater services.

Welcome to our journey to provide a sustainable approach in the delivery of water and wastewater services to First Nations communities in the traditional territories of Mi’kma’ki and Wolastokuk.

I am both proud and honoured to be selected by my colleagues as Board Chair for the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority. The creation of an Indigenous-owned water authority is a tremendous step towards nation-to-nation reconciliation.