b'COVID-19 PANDEMICDuring this isolation, I really focused on just enjoying the little things, especially after having COVID. Im really blessed to have two good little boys. For myself, I do a lot of self-care; I do a lot of reading. Even if you fail now, its OKDelwiliah Brown Student, University of Albertaour seniors more tech-savvy, so atIndspire Building Brighter Futures:They recovered, but Brown ended Christmas we called everyone andBursaries, Scholarships, and Awardsup in a struggle for her life. I never when we had my grandparentsprogram, she has plans to continueleft my house, ever. I practised 65 thanniversary over Easter we allher studies with a Master ofsafety. I came down with it and I got together. Above all, she says,Education degree. isolated right away, and it spread I really hope that people havelike wildfire to about 30 people, realized how selfish society hasBrown had to leave her full-timeshe says. I had pneumoniaI got been, and maybe theyve grownwork as a CMHC housing coordi- low oxygen and was put on a venti-from that. nator for her Nation and start tolator. Honestly, I practised tradi-commute 200 kilometres eachtional medicine as well as western day in order to accommodate hermedicine. I prayed to the Creator PLENTY OF PERSEVERANCE studies. When COVID arrived, sheand I made it past the worst. It took When the going gets tough, appar- found herself without the neces- three months to heal.ently Delwiliah Brown gets going. Shesary computer connections, text-is an indomitable wife, mom, studentbooks or support. She completedBrown has since lost excess weight and member of the Ermineskina full semester using only herand follows a program of healthy Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta.cellphone and had to change fromnutrition and exercise. Her recovery She is also currently pursuing aa major in Cree language after allis only one instance of her persever-Bachelor of Education secondaryher oral classes were cancelled.ance: of eight children, she is the degree at the University of AlbertaLast November, however, broughtfirst and only one to graduate high with a major in social studies andthe worst challenge of all as she,school, and the first to go to college a minor in Indigenous curriculumher husband and her two boys alland university. My mother attended and pedagogy. A recipient of thecontracted COVID.residential school. When I was growing up, she feared schooling, and it was not encouraged. I saw that I needed an education for my career, so I pushed for it, she says. Shes very proud of me now. She was the first person I told when I gotthe Indspire scholarship, and she screamed so hard in my ear!ABOUT USThe Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario is an information source for water environment, operator training certification, issues and technology. AWWAOs members include professionals from Ontario First Nations, Environmental HealthIn the same circumstances, some Officers, Tribal Councils, Municipal Suppliers and some Government Agencies. might bemoan their luck, but not GOALSTo update and inform members about issues that affect water treatment Brown. During this isolation, I To interact with persons in the various fields of water expertiseTo promote the concerns of our membership through a collective voice really focused on just enjoying the To exchange information and ideas to other members, the public, Chiefs and Councils little things, especially after having OBJECTIVESTo act as a voice and to provide forum for First Nation Plant Operators in Ontario by publishing a newsletter, promotingCOVID. Im really blessed to have communications and networking among Plant Operators and other persons of interest, which promote the importance of: two good little boys. For myself, I Providing safe and potable water and maintaining the highest standard of wastewater operations;Developing and delivering the necessary continuing education and training programs for Plant Operators and others who aredo a lot of self-care; I do a lot of involved in water and wastewater treatment;Ensuring that Operators receive on-going technical training in maintaining and upgrading their knowledge of proper waterreading. Even if you fail now, its and wastewater operation and maintenance requirements;Involving qualified Operators in the design, construction or upgrading of water and wastewater treatment plants; and, okay, she says. Theres a pandemic Ensuring that Operators receive proper training that meet the necessary certification and licensing requirements.on. The whole world has changed, Email: info@awwao.orgPh: 1-807-216-8085 and we just have to take care of each other. 64indspiration2021'