School Programs

Our Vision

Our vision will be reached in Canada when the following Goals have been achieved:

• National drinking water regulations are implemented and enforced, resulting in all aboriginal and non aboriginal communities in Canada having access to truly safe drinking water

• The federal government of Canada recognizes at the United Nations that water is a basic human right

To give you an idea of the concept behind SDWF Mission, Vision & Goals, it is important to remember that guidelines are just that, whereas Standards or Regulations are enforceable by law. SDWF scientists have recently been asked to advise on water treatment processes in India and Ghana, where all drinking water must meet World Health Organization (WHO) regulations. Ironically Canada's drinking water guidelines do not meet WHO regulations and some provinces, such as SK provincial guidelines are even more lax than our national guidelines.

Canada is in fact the only developed country to not have national regulations for drinking water quality. What is more, Canada is the only developed country to repeatedly vote NO at United Nations that water is a basic human right! SDWF is constantly challenged by a great need for financial support, all donations go 100% to our various projects as all administration and operating expenses are carried out by our strong network of volunteers (individuals and corporations). Following is a summary of present projects in need of funding. We invite you to request more detailed information and look forward to working with you.

Operation Water Spirit

OWS is a collection of thematic units and lesson plans which will reinforce aboriginal culture and perspectives regarding water for aboriginal students while at the same time provide an aboriginal perspective to non-aboriginal students about water issues.

Expectations of Program

Operation Water Spirit invites teachers to encourage classroom discussions to enable students to gain a closer understanding of aboriginal issues and perspectives surrounding drinking water. Students will learn that not everyone has safe drinking water and aboriginal people are the greatest protectors of our environment, encouraging the need for water conservation and source water protection.

Expectations of Teachers

To present Operation Water Spirit in an open and caring atmosphere, to encourage students to view aboriginal issues by “walking in their moccasins” for the duration of these lessons.