The CREATE H2O program includes five pillars offering in-depth training.
Within each of these pillars, there are many options from which students may choose. For each student accepted into the program, the pillar requirements are tailored to the student’s educational background, degree course requirements, and the focus area the student wishes to pursue in First Nations water and sanitation security.
Each student accepted into the program is assigned two professors who will act as mentors. Along with the CREATE H2O program co-ordinator, these professors will assist students in designing the pillar structure and activities that best match each student’s career path and goals.
Students accepted into the program will receive financial support consisting of a stipend and travel awards.
Undergraduate students must choose between a relevant research-based project (Pillar 1) and a professional work term (Pillar 5). In addition, undergraduate students are required to complete 8 portfolio units across at least two of the other three program pillars before you graduate. Graduate students are required to conduct research on water or sanitation security that leads to a thesis that meets the criteria of their graduate degree program (Pillar 1). In addition, graduate students are required to accumulate 22 portfolio units across at least three of the other four program pillars by the time they graduate.
Pillar 2 – Water sciences and wastewater systems knowledge Courses, workshops, conference presentations Courses already completed by students as part of their degree program may qualify. See approved undergraduate and graduate courses and workshops. Graduate students may take undergrad courses, if approved by their supervisor. There may also be opportunities to participate in specialized instruction, for example, specialized lab training, including through assisting other H2O participants with their lab work.
Pillar 3 – Indigenous theory, law and methodology skills Courses, workshops, conference presentations Courses already completed by students as part of their degree program may qualify. See approved and graduate courses and workshops.
Critical, creative and strategic thinking; teamwork and stakeholder relationship building.
Research and professional ethics; oral and cross-cultural communications.
Scholarship and grant proposal writing; project management; work-life balance.
Scientific writing, popular writing and mass-media relations.
Mentoring First Nations high school students in science and engineering, including through the Verna Kirkness Education Foundation and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.
Assisting a First Nation to write a funding proposal for a water or wastewater project.
Volunteering at the annual Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre science fair in Winnipeg, where hundreds of First Nations students participate.
Host tours of university science labs, where First Nations youth can observe and participate in experiments and demonstrations.
Act as role models to Indigenous undergraduate students, encouraging students to pursue specialization in science and engineering.
Being an active member of a related student group.
Volunteer at Inner City schools science labs etc.
Total: 8 units on top of research project will provide the student with a co-curricular record in First Nations Water and Sanitation Security, in addition to the student’s undergraduate degree.
Total: 22 units on top of thesis project will provide the student with a co-curricular record in First Nations Water and Sanitation Security, in addition to the student’s graduate degree.
Note that these are general examples. Each student’s background will be assessed by supervisors at the start of the program to design a specific set of unit requirements that will complement the student’s strengths. For example, students without extensive First Nations experience may require more Indigenous knowledge training, while those with a natural resources background may benefit from exposure to engineering methods. Pillar plans are subject to approval by the H2O steering committee.