Congratulations to Dr. Dave Atkinson Finalist for the 2026 Water Steward of the Year Award!
Dave鈥檚 work bridges academic science with Indigenous-led stewardship through deep collaboration and shared leadership. From co-developing and co-implementing local water-quality testing labs in Pond Inlet and Baker Lake to co-creating and leading training programs with local monitoring teams and youth, Dave is focused on building respectful relationships that enable community-led water stewardship.
Key Highlights of His Impact:
- Community-Driven Stewardship: Co-developing and implementing long-term monitoring initiatives in direct, equal partnership with Inuit and First Nation communities.
- Local Capacity and Infrastructure: Co-establishing and implementing community-led water-testing labs (such as in Pond Inlet and Baker Lake) to support local testing for E.coli and total coliform.
- Empowering Next-Gen Leaders: Co-creating training for local monitoring teams and mentorship programs with Indigenous youth to strengthen water self-governance and environmental protection.
Huge kudos to Dave for undertaking this meaningful work and congratulations for this recognition from Water Canada.