Montreal, QC / Winnipeg, MB – March 12, 2025 – AquaAction is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) to co-develop an innovative, water innovation program. With funding from the Canada Water Agency, this collaboration marks a transformative step in the evolution of AquaAction’s flagship AquaHacking Challenge, integrating Indigenous ways of knowing with modern science and technology to foster new water solutions.
This design phase will lay the foundation for three distinct programs, including:
• An updated AquaHacking Challenge that incorporates Indigenous Knowledge and Knowledge Keepers and includes outreach to Indigenous innovators, and
• An action-oriented water awareness curriculum that braids Indigenous knowledge with contemporary water science.
“This partnership with CIER is an opportunity to reimagine how we tackle water challenges in Canada,” said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction. “By embracing Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and perspectives, we can create more impactful, inclusive, and community-driven water solutions.”
“Indigenous communities have long been stewards of water and the environment,” said Shianne McKay, Senior Project Manager of this initiative within CIER and a member of CIER’s Executive Team. “This initiative will elevate Indigenous leadership in the water innovation space while fostering solutions that benefit all.”
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The CIER team at the AquaAction office in Montreal, Canada
Key Phases of the Project:
• Co-Development Phase: A three-day kickoff workshop in Winnipeg to build relationships, define project principles, and establish governance structures.
• Co-Research Phase: Inventory and database development of Indigenous-led programs, governance frameworks, and funding opportunities.
• Co-Design Phase: Development of a recruiting strategy, curriculum content, governance structure, and implementation plan for the 2025 Prairies AquaHacking Challenge.
“The Canada Water Agency is proud to support the collaboration between AquaAction and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources in fostering the next generation of water stewards, “ said Daniel Wolfish, Interim President, Canada Water Agency. “By bringing together Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and community leadership, this initiative strengthens our shared commitment to freshwater sustainability. We applaud the dedication of all involved in reimagining the AquaHacking Challenge into a platform for meaningful action that supports clean water in Canada for future generations.”
Expected Results:
• A regional AquaHacking Challenge that integrates Indigenous knowledge and will be tested in 2025,
• A full implementation plan for embedding Indigenous ways of knowing into a bi-national AquaHacking Challenge, and
• Core curriculum components for water awareness and action-oriented education.
By bringing together Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, water innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs, this initiative will ensure that Canada’s water security strategies are holistic, inclusive, and future-focused.
About AquaAction
AquaAction is dedicated to restoring freshwater health by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Through programs like the AquaHacking Challenge and AquaEntrepreneur, it empowers young leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions to water issues.
About CIER
The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) is a national Indigenous created and directed charitable organization that embraces diversity and collaboration for capacity building with Indigenous Nations to strengthen and support sustainable communities and a healthy environment.
About The Canada Water Agency
The Canada Water Agency (CWA) is a federal organization that works with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, scientists and others to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well-managed for future generations. Established in 2024, the CWA collaborates with partners to address water challenges, providing national leadership, conducting research, developing strategies, and promoting sustainable water use to ensure safe, clean, and accessible water for all.
