The CREATE H2O program was designed to address research science and training gaps that are preventing culturally appropriate investments in water and sanitation in First Nations.

It launched in 2013 as the first science-engineering research training program in Canada to combine technical water and wastewater management training with Indigenous theory, law and methodological skills training. The initiative fosters respectful relationships between First Nations and researchers, allowing for meaningful collaboration. This enables our researchers to contribute to a growing intellectual movement of decolonizing research and methodologies within the academy.

The program brought together a team of 37 researchers in the sciences, engineering and law from the University of Manitoba, Trent University and University College of the North. CREATE H20 involved undergraduate and graduate students, and several Manitoba and Ontario First Nation communities. The program also engaged elementary and high school students in some communities and gave youth an opportunity to participate in university research in water sciences.