A B.C First Nations multimedia team that developed an interactive training tool created to support operators of small community water systems has been recognized with an award at the Serious Games Conference in Washington state.
Launched in 2009, WaterKeeper was borne of a need to provide clean, safe drinking water for First Nations communities. The tool offers support to water operators to analyze problems with pumping systems, for example.
The team worked under the guidance of the Indigenous Adult Higher Learning Association and the program was funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
The award was given as part of the International Serious Play awards, a program “distinguishing superior examples of corporate, military, healthcare and school/at home” learning tools.
Once an operator is certified, WaterKeeper provides the operator community with an online communication tool. Every operator is identified on a shared Google map with contact information and fields of interest or expertise.
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV