The 2026 NWT Water Stewardship Award—Celebrating Outstanding Contributors to Water Stewardship in the Northwest Territories (NWT)

 

We are thrilled to announce that the Water Strategy Indigenous Steering Committee and the Department of Environment and Climate Change are once again awarding the NWT Water Stewardship Award. Building on the success of previous years, this award honours outstanding individuals, organizations, and youth (under 30) from across the NWT who are making meaningful contributions to water stewardship in the North.

This award recognizes those who are dedicated to ensuring that NWT waters remain clean, abundant, and productive for all time. Water sustains life and ecosystems, and, through this award, we celebrate the individuals, organizations, and youth whose exceptional contributions inspire others to take action.

Here are some key details about the NWT Water Stewardship Award:

1. Award Criteria:
A nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria, which contribute to the vision and goals of the NWT Water Strategy:

  • Displayed leadership in water stewardship initiatives
  • Demonstrated passion, commitment, and accomplishments that have contributed to the long-term sustainability of water ecosystems in the NWT
  • Contributed to knowledge sharing through their work, including mentoring, training, or relationship building
  • Demonstrated youth leadership in water stewardship efforts (nominees under 30 years of age)

2. Nomination Process:
We encourage everyone to participate by nominating deserving individuals, organizations, or youth (under 30) who have made a significant contribution to water stewardship in the NWT. The nomination form and detailed instructions can be found here.

3. Supporting Documentation:
Nominators are encouraged to provide supporting documentation such as project information, reports, testimonials, or photographs that showcase the nominee’s contributions to water stewardship.

4. Important Dates:

  • Deadline: July 10, 2026
  • Award announcement: The recipients of the NWT Water Stewardship Award will be announced at the 17th Annual NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Implementation Workshop.

We invite you to join us in celebrating these exceptional water stewards who have dedicated their time, expertise, and passion to protecting and sustaining the NWT’s invaluable water ecosystems.

For more information, please contact nwtwaterstrategy@gov.nt.ca