About: Atlantic First Nations Water Authority:
APC has been actively working on the Clean Water Initiative that recognizes a need for change. It is First Nations’ people, as keepers of Mother Earth, taking responsibility and action toward the health and safety of our families.
The AFNHIN exists to provide quality advice and strategic direction and advocacy in the areas of housing, water, wastewater, and emergency response planning. The AFNHIN provides a forum for transparent discussion amongst Atlantic First Nations communities, regional and tribal First Nations organizations and the federal government. The Network is comprised of various working groups and committees that focus on priorities raised by the Chiefs. https://www.apcfnc.ca/water/
Thanks to Atlantic First Nations Water Authority for being a Gold Sponsor of the ACWWA 2021 Annual Conference!
Thanks to Atlantic First Nations Water Authority for being a Gold Sponsor of the ACWWA 2020 Annual Conference!
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2020 Technical Presentations from Atlantic First Nations Water Authority:
Abstract: The Atlantic First Nation Water Authority – Its Time Has Come
Day 2: December 9, 2020 at 11:40 AM AT
Every now and then a utility emerges to try something different and follow the adage, ” do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and blaze a trail”. Such is the case for the Atlantic First Nation Water Authority [AFNWA] that has been formed to own and operate water and wastewater systems in First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada. It has been over a ten-year journey spearheaded by leaders to create a utility by First Nations, for First Nations.
Working with the Government of Canada, First Nation communities have established the AFNWA as a crucial step in their desire for self-determination and a nation-to-nation solution to rectify water and
wastewater problems facing their communities. Incorporated on July 18, 2018 as a non-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, the utility is ramping up activities to be fully operational in Spring 2022.
As of April 2020, fifteen (15) First Nations communities have confirmed their commitment to the AFNWA by signing Band Council Resolutions (BCRs) indicating their desire to formally participate. These communities, located within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island represent 61% of the total Atlantic First Nations by population. An additional seven (7) Atlantic First Nations communities have declared their interest, with others in the region being potential future candidates. Using a scalable delivery model, the AFNWA governance and organizational structure shows promise for a model which can be utilized by First Nations in communities across Canada.
About Carl Yates, Interim Chief Executive Officer:
Carl Yates has extensive experience in the water utility profession having served as General Manager of Halifax Water from 1994 to 2019. After retirement from Halifax Water in July 2019, he formed his own consulting company, Yates Water Management, to promote and support sustainable water management. In June 2020, Mr. Yates was appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer for the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority [AFNWA] which was formed to provide water and wastewater services to First Nations communities in the Atlantic region. The AFNWA represents an innovative approach for First Nations in their pursuit of self determination and reconciliation with the government of Canada and find a sustainable solution to pressing water and wastewater problems.
Mr. Yates obtained a Bachelor of Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1984 and a Master of Applied Science from the Technical University of Nova Scotia [now Dalhousie University] in 1992.
Mr. Yates received the AWWA George Warren Fuller Award in 2010 for exemplary leadership and contributions to the waterworks industry. In 2019, he was awarded the NS Engineers Sexton Gold Medal for exceptional achievements in engineering practice and contributions to society.