A water treatment operator from Onion Lake Cree Nation is the recipient of a national award.
Vernon Lewis was named a 2025 recipient of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award.
Lewis, along with other recipients, were honoured at a ceremony in Saskatoon Tuesday night.
According to organizers, Lewis exceeded all criteria for the award showcasing exceptional leadership and technical expertise in areas around water security.
“Things are moving fast these days, and the future of water treatment is getting more and more advanced, so it’s important for young people to step up and take the lead,” said Vernon Lewis. “I really enjoy helping train young people in my community and keeping them aware of what’s going on—they’re the future, and we need to support them.”
The ceremony was held in the middle of the Saskatchewan First Nation’s Water Associations Annual Conference currently taking place this week.
(Top Photo – Vernon Lewis poses for a photo at the 2025 Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association conference. Photo by Joel Willick)