September 3, 2014 Update! Hon. J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, with Board and staff at the office to present the Excellence in Water Stewardship Award for the NWT.
On March 21, 2014, Premier Bob McLeod announced that the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board (WLWB) is the recipient of the 2014 Council of the Federation (COF) Excellence in Water Stewardship Award for the Northwest Territories (NWT).
The award recognizes outstanding achievement and innovative practice and leadership in the area of water stewardship and is presented to organizations, partnerships, businesses, institutions and communities in each province and territory.
“Congratulations to the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board for working collaboratively with communities to promote and practice responsible water stewardship.” said Premier Bob McLeod in announcing the winner of the award. “This is an excellent example of how innovative, locally-focussed and action-oriented programs delivered through a regional board can educate communities in water conservation and water quality protection at the local level.”
The WLWB works with communities to build local capacity for water quality monitoring in the Tłįcho region. The Board has initiated training for chief and council members, employees, land officers, and other community members to meet the monitoring requirements of water licenses for sewage discharge and solid waste facilities. The training, which includes sampling procedures and interpretation of results, has led to an increased understanding of water quality issues and different aspects of water management.
Support is also provided to the Tłįcho Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program, which includes community fish camps to determine how and if fish health, water and sediment quality is changing over time and whether fish and water remain safe to consume.
The WLWB will receive a $1,000 grant, a certificate signed by the Premier and a glass trophy form the Council of the Federation.
For more information, contact:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca