Last weekend, the AquaHacking Prairies Expedition - a leadership retreat unique to the AquaHacking program - brought together the finalist teams in Manitoba for three days of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and connection to the land and water. Designed for reflection and collective learning, the Expedition invited participants to strengthen their solutions to critical water issues through hands-on activities, workshops, and meaningful dialogue with mentors and Indigenous community members.
Developed in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), the Expedition weaved Western science with Indigenous Knowledge. This concept of “Two-Eyed Seeing” grounded the experience in both innovation and cultural relevance, highlighting a holistic approach to caring for the Prairies’ watersheds.
The Expedition kicked off strong with a meeting with Mark Fisher, President and CEO of the Canada Water Agency. Mark generously gave the floor to the finalists, inviting their questions and offering thoughtful insights on the future of water innovation in Canada. He emphasized how innovative technological solutions will increasingly play a vital role in helping us understand environmental change and water-related risks at faster speeds, insights essential to Canada’s sustainable economic growth and social progress. Finalists discussed the importance of water innovation in the Prairies, from detecting aquatic invasive species to reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural landscapes. His takeaway was clear: “The future of entrepreneurship and water innovation is bright in Canada.”
The Expedition also emphasized experiential and collaborative learning. From exploring the University of Manitoba’s hydraulic research facilities with Professor Shawn Clark, where participants examined how research translates into real-world applications, to witnessing how dams shape the watershed, each moment offered tangible insights that brought their water solutions to life.
Workshops and mentorship sessions were tailored to the unique innovations being developed by each team. Business and leadership training, storytelling and pitch coaching, and hands-on exercises like the Business Model Canvas helped participants refine essential entrepreneurial skills as they prepare for the upcoming Grand Finale. Sharing circles centered around Indigenous knowledge and teachings, further encouraged peer learning, sparking new ideas and diverse perspectives on the challenges facing Prairie waters. Participants had the chance to hear from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders, gaining insights into teachings surrounding water and human connection to land. Beyond the sharing circles, the finalists got to engage with Indigenous community members through the World Café activity, where a dedicated discussion table offered Indigenous perspectives on water issues and proposed solutions.
This incredible experience was made possible thanks to the support and partnership of our co-hosts, CIER and Alberta Innovates. Their leadership, expertise, and deep regional knowledge strengthened the Expedition and ensured the program reflected the realities, priorities, and opportunities of the Prairie provinces. Together, they helped shape a learning environment rooted in collaboration, innovation, and respect for the shared interests of various stakeholders.
The Expedition highlighted the power of community, and the promise of future opportunities to come through AquaNation; AquaAction’s thriving alumni network committed to building a water-secure future.
Participants left with clearer visions for their solutions, stronger entrepreneurial skills, deeper respect for Indigenous knowledge, and a renewed connection to the water. Most importantly, they left with a growing network of peers, mentors, and supporters ready to walk alongside them as they prepare for the big event: the Finale pitch session in February.
See all the photos from the Expedition here.
