In her community of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in British Columbia, operator Katy Thorne deftly balances her time between putting pucks in nets and keeping the local water supply out of the penalty box.
The Level 2 Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections operator is the latest recipient of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award, which celebrates demonstrated leadership and dedication to the advancement of clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities across Canada.
Now in its seventh year, Indigenous Services Canada received a record 49 nominations for the award. As the winner, Thorne takes home a trophy and a selected piece of Indigenous artwork.
A three-time nominee for the annual award, Thorne’s been busy operating and maintaining large-scale water and wastewater networks for nearly six years in her community, located just across the South Thompson River from Kamloops.
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A graduate of Thompson Rivers University, Thorne has been instrumental in building a network of water operators to push the boundaries of conventional training and develop solutions for many of the obstacles faced by First Nations water operators.
In addition to being a part-time BC Hockey and Hockey Canada referee and player, Thorne can be found frequently representing the voices of water operators at speaking events. She is also heavily involved in water stewardship to educate the local community.
“No matter where you stand in your community, when it comes to safe drinking water, we all have a role to play,” says Thorne. “I encourage you to do what you can. Learn, advocate, and respect water because Water Is Life.”
Thorne is also a Cross Connection Control Inspector and is implementing a program to protect the water system. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc includes a range of industrial and economic development clients like Mount Paul Industrial Park, residential areas, and the new Chief Louis Crossing Commercial Complex.
Public Works Team
The latest National First Nations Water Leadership Award also celebrates the work of B.C.’s Lower Nicola Indian Band public works team for protecting water and building community trust.
Indigenous Services Canada recognized Josh Moore, Skyler Peterson, and Cody Kovacs from the public works team for resolving an issue with a shared well in the community that was under a long-term drinking water advisory due to issues with water quality. The team found the source of the untreated water entering the system, made the necessary repairs, and conducted weekly sampling until the results were consistently clear, according to Indigenous Services Canada. To protect their community’s health and wellbeing, they continued monthly testing and provided community outreach and education to help prevent future issues.
“It’s deeply moving to see leaders like Katy, Josh, Skyler and Cody transforming their communities through their dedication to clean water access,” announced Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “This award recognizes their unwavering commitment, but it’s their impact on future generations that truly matters. These champions show us what real Reconciliation looks like — Indigenous-led solutions creating lasting change in their communities.”
