The Water Literacy Project

Water Literacy Project launches hands-on activities for Canada's youth

The Water Literacy Project — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:25:35 GMT

Ottawa, October 27, 2026 — The Water Literacy Project launches free, hands-on freshwater education activities for Canada's youth.

According to public opinion research, 86% of Canadians say water literacy for young Canadians should be a high priority, and yet, more than a third (37%) of Canadians do not know where their own tapwater comes from, about half (51%) do not feel well informed about the state of freshwater in Canada, and two in three (66%) think our schools do not prepare young people well on water issues.

Enter the Water Literacy Project.

Now available for parents and teachers across the country, the Water Literacy Project puts free, fun, freshwater education activities into the hands of Canada's next generation.

The Water Literacy Project is a unique, bilingual, multi-year education program for young people, focused directly on freshwater awareness. The Project's activities connect students from kindergarten to grade 12 with the lakes and rivers in their own environments, encourage the real-world actions they can take to protect freshwater, and inspire them to consider careers in the water sector.

The Water Literacy Project is brought to life by AquaAction, in partnership with Canadian Geographic and the Canadian Museum of Nature. It is supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund, with matching funds from the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation. The Canada Water Agency and NRCAN also support this important project.

Parents and teachers can access interactive learning experiences from three partners, including AquaAction’s “Refresh Water! Action Packs,” Canadian Geographic’s “Freshwater: Lifeblood of the Land” giant floor maps, and the Canadian Museum of Nature’s “Freshwater Systems” virtual workshops. Specifically:

AquaAction’s “ReFresh Water! Action Packs” are hands-on learning materials designed to help families and communities engage with local water issues. They include learning modules, videos, digital journals and guided activities that explore real-world water challenges. The kits and printable workbooks can be downloaded from the Water Literacy Project website.
Canadian Geographic’s “Freshwater: Lifeblood of the Land” giant floor maps are large-format maps that help students from kindergarten to Grade 12 explore Canada’s freshwater systems and learn about water-related careers. Each map comes with a Teacher’s Guide and 12 curriculum-linked lesson plans, activities and additional resources. Educators can book these maps for their classrooms on the website.
The Canadian Museum of Nature’s “Freshwater Systems” virtual workshops are live workshops led by expert museum educators. Designed for grade 7 and 8 students in all provinces and territories, these interactive sessions explore Earth’s hydrosphere and the interconnectedness of water systems. Students explore how human activities can impact water quality, and the importance of protecting clean, fresh water across Canada. The workshops can be booked now.

All the Water Literacy Project's educational resources are now available from a central resource hub, where educators, parents and students can choose their desired grade level and access the materials free of charge. Visit the Water Literacy Project website to explore all the available options.

Quotes

“Creating a sustainable future starts with engaging and empowering young Canadians. Through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund, our government is supporting the Water Literacy Project to help young people better understand the environmental challenges facing Canada and the role they can play in tackling them. By inspiring curiosity, stewardship and action, this project is helping young Canadians become leaders in protecting our water, our environment and fighting climate change.”

— The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Knowledge is power. And in this day and age, when water security is becoming paramount, what Canada needs is a vastly better understanding of our nation's water issues. With the Water Literacy Program, we are aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of water leaders at an early age. With that passion, and with future training, these young people can help Canada achieve our water security ambitions going forward.”

— Marie-Paule Jeansonne, Executive Director, de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation

“Despite our reputation for freshwater abundance, Canada faces growing water security challenges, and public opinion research shows 51% of Canadians still lack a basic understanding of water issues. Closing that knowledge gap can help strengthen Canada’s water awareness, inspire impactful actions and support future careers in the water sector.”

— Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction

“Canada is a water nation. We have a shared responsibility to care for and protect the waters that sustain all life here and on earth. Canadian Geographic’s network of educators and explorers are instrumental to equip youth with knowledge and understanding of freshwater in Canada. We are proud to be inspiring our future water leaders.”

— Meredith Brown, Director of Water and Land Relations, Canadian Geographic

“One of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s goals is to help build environmental literacy and stewardship across diverse audiences and communities, including youth. Our virtual nature-themed workshops have reached thousands of students across Canada, and we are pleased to launch a new workshop on freshwater ecosystems as part of the Water Literacy Project. We hope it will serve to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards about the importance of water—one of our most precious natural resources.”

— Danika Goosney, President and CEO, Canadian Museum of Nature

About The Water Literacy Project

The Water Literacy Project is a national, bilingual, multi-year education and awareness program that helps teachers and parents build an understanding of freshwater in their learners, one that connects them with their own water, the real-world actions they can take, and future careers in the water sector. The project is brought to life by AquaAction, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Canadian Museum of Nature. It is supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund, de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, Canada Water Agency and NRCAN. For more information:
https://thewaterliteracyproject.org/en/home

About AquaAction

At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet
https://aquaaction.org/en/

About Canadian Geographic

Canadian Geographic is Canada’s #1 paid magazine, reaching 4.6 million people each month. Through Canadian Geographic Education, the organization has also built one of the country’s largest educational networks, connecting with more than 28,000 teachers and educators in every province and territory. Approaching its 100th anniversary in 2029–2030, Canadian Geographic and its charitable home, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, were founded in 1929 with a clear mission: to “make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world.” The organization continues to fulfill this mission through the publication of the magazine, and through excellence in its educational programming that is dedicated to deepening understanding of the country’s human and physical geography. Its motto, Ducit Amor Patriae — “Love of Country leads me” — reflects a guiding ideal that resonates strongly with the challenges and opportunities Canadians face today. For more information:
https://cangeoeducation.ca/en/maps/freshwater-lifeblood-of-the-land/

About Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada’s national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum advances the understanding and appreciation of nature through evidence, knowledge, engagement and a sense of wonder. It achieves this through scientific research, a 15-million-specimen collection, education programs and school-workshops, world-class exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.

Media Contacts

AquaAction:
Bridget Wayland
Director of Communications and Media Relations
Bridget.wayland@aquaaction.org

Canadian Geographic:
Rosemary Thompson
Senior Vice President, External
rthompson@rcgs.org

Canadian Museum of Nature:
Dan Smythe
Head, Media Relations
dsmythe@nature.ca

AquaAction and Roots of Resilience Charter School Announce National Pilot Partnership to Advance Youth Water Literacy in Canada

The Water Literacy Project — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

June 19, Montreal, QC — AquaAction is partnering with the Roots of Resilience Charter School to pilot and test drive materials developed for its Water Literacy Project, a first-of-its-kind national education and awareness initiative designed to create a generation of informed and empowered water stewards.

Developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Water Literacy Project aims to equip leaners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand freshwater systems, take meaningful action, and inspire careers in water technologies.

As the official “AquaHeroes” pilot partner, Roots of Resilience Charter School will play a central role in testing and refining the project’s Water Literacy Action Packs and learning materials in real-world educational settings. This collaboration will ensure that the tools are practical and culturally grounded.

“Water literacy is foundational to climate resilience and community well-being,” said Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction. “Through this partnership, we are ensuring that the voices and experiences of youth, and the educators who support them, are embedded in the design of a program that will serve communities across Canada.”

Rooted in community, culture, and connection, Roots of Resilience Charter School brings deep expertise in integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. This perspective will guide the co-development and refinement of project materials, ensuring they reflect respect for local knowledge, emphasize stewardship and reciprocity, and avoid tokenistic inclusion of Indigenous perspectives.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering young people as leaders,” said Charlene Bearhead, Founder and Principal, Roots of Resilience Charter School. “When young people are trusted with responsibility, supported by community, and connected to real pathways in water innovation, they rise as leaders.”

Youth Leadership and Pathways to Innovation

A big part of the partnership is giving young people real chances to lead. Learners in the pilot will get exposure through AquaAction’s national platforms and could connect with programs like AquaHacking and AquaEntrepreneur, opening doors to opportunities in water innovation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on science.

“Water literacy is not just about education, it’s about enabling youth to see themselves as part of the solution,” added Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction. “This partnership helps build clear, supported pathways into Canada’s growing water innovation ecosystem.”

About Roots of Resilience Charter School

Roots of Resilience Charter School provides a safe, caring, nurturing and inspiring Indigenous learning environment where students see themselves and their culture reflected in all aspects of their education and school experience. Their vision is for students to reach their potential through learning in an environment where relationship, understanding, respect and connection are the basis of student holistic wellbeing - Indigenous worldview - resulting in success and fulfillment in school and beyond. Their mission is to instill confidence, respect and a strong sense of identity in students that enables them to a develop the knowledge, skills and character necessary to carry them in a good way as they walk in two worlds.

About AquaAction

At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet.

Contact
Oliver Anderson
Vice President, Communications and Growth
AquaAction
oliver.Anderson@aquaaction.org

Media Contact
Charlene Bearhead
Principal and Founder
Roots of Resilience Charter School
cbearhead@rootsed.ca

National Partnership Launches Water Literacy Project to Empower the Next Generation of Canadian Water Leaders

The Water Literacy Project — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

AquaAction, Canadian Geographic and the Canadian Museum of Nature will engage young people to protect Canada’s most precious resource – water

Ottawa, Ontario, March 23, 2026 — To mark the beginning of Canada Water Week, AquaAction is announcing the first-ever national water literacy initiative aimed at engaging youth and educators across the country, in partnership with two national organisations – Canadian Geographic and the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Despite its reputation for abundant freshwater, Canada faces growing water security challenges. Human pressures and climate change are degrading water quality, creating scarcity, and straining a critical resource that communities rely on to survive and prosper. At the same time, public opinion research shows that many Canadians lack a basic understanding of water issues. Addressing this knowledge gap could help tackle labour shortages and drive Canadian-led innovation in the water sector.

Together, the partner organizations are laying the foundation for a dynamic national education and awareness initiative, called the Water Literacy Project, designed to create a generation of informed and empowered water stewards. Through action-oriented learning materials, the initiative encourages students to learn about freshwater in Canada, enable problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking and other job-ready skills connected to Canada’s water future.

From left to right: Daniel Corber, Sr. Instructional Designer, AquaAction, Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction, Danika Goonsey, President and CEO of Canadian Museum of Nature, Meredith Brown, Director of Water and Land Relations, Dan Smythe, Head Media Relations Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian Geographic, Charlene Bearhead, Vice President, Learning and Reconciliation at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Mark Fisher, President Canada Water Agency, John Estabillo, instructional designer Canadian Geographic, Chloe Bluebird Mustooch, Indigenous Education Specialist, Roots of Resilience Charter School, Seneca Dueck, Roots of Resilience Charter School, Danny Veilleux, VP Programs and Impact, AquaAction.

The Water Literacy Project is supported by a $635,296 investment from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund, with matching funds from the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation. The Canada Water Agency and NRCAN have also contributed $40,000 each to support the initiative.

The full launch of the Water Literacy Project is scheduled for the start of the school year in September and will offer the following resources:

ReFresh Water! Action Packs: Developed by AquaAction, ReFresh Water! is a library of action-based learning materials designed to spark community projects and engagement with water issues. It will feature learning modules, videos, digital journals, and water action packs that guide students and communities through activities that explore real-world water challenges. A comprehensive library will be ready for September.
Freshwater: Lifeblood of the Land Giant Floor Map: Starting September 2026, educators can reserve this large-format interactive map created by Canadian Geographic and explore Canada’s freshwater and water-related careers. The Giant Floor Maps will be accompanied by a Teacher’s Guide and twelve curriculum-linked lesson plans with activities and additional resources.
Virtual Workshops: Starting in September 2026, these live and interactive sessions, led by expert science interpreters from the Canadian Museum of Nature, will connect Grade 8 classrooms across Canada directly to the museum for experiments and immersive lessons on the hydrological cycle.

Designed for educators, students, and the broader public, the Water Literacy project is delivered through an online portal where users can choose grade levels and access tailored, high quality learning resources. The platform also weaves in Indigenous perspectives and teachings about water, while using engaging, gamified features such as digital badges to recognize learning and achievement.

Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, Elder, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

Additional organizations are joining the partnership, including ClearWater Futures Foundation, founding creators of Future Chicken! Adding hopeful learning and extra impact through screen-based, multi-platform media, and the Roots of Resilience Charter School in Drayton Valley, Alberta — Canada’s only public K-12 indigenous charter school — who will be piloting the ReFresh Water Action Packs.

Canadians of all ages are being challenged to take the Freshwater Quiz from Canadian Geographic Education.

Take the Quiz

Quotes

“Young Canadians care deeply about the future of our environment and are eager to be part of the solution. It’s up to us to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed and turn that passion into action. The Water Literacy Project is a great example of how we can empower students to think about the daily choices they make and the paths they can pursue to help protect our water, and build a more sustainable future.”

— Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada

“Water is at the center of our communities, our environment, and our future. Initiatives like the Water Literacy Project are helping young people across Canada build the knowledge and skills they need to understand the value of freshwater and take action to protect it. By bringing together educators, scientists, and community partners, this work is empowering the next generation to protect one of our most vital resources. This initiative not only raises awareness but also inspires innovation and leadership in safeguarding Canada’s water for years to come.”

— Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada

“When we teach water, we shape the future. Water runs everything. It spins turbines, fills our pipes, grows our food. It gives life to the landscapes and communities we call home. The Water Literacy Project is a resource hub that gives teachers what they need to deepen students’ understanding of water and inspire them to care. We are excited by how far it has come and how much potential we have to grow.”

— Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction

“Canada is a water nation. We have a shared responsibility to care for and protect the waters that sustain all life here and on earth. Canadian Geographic’s network of educators and explorers are instrumental to equip youth with knowledge and understanding of freshwater in Canada. We are proud to be inspiring our future water leaders.”

— Meredith Brown, Director of Water and Land Relations, Canadian Geographic

“Water literacy is essential to building a more sustainable Canada, where freshwater ecosystems shape our environment, communities, and way of life. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, we are pleased to contribute our experience delivering virtual workshops to hundreds of classrooms across Canada. Through this initiative, we are excited to engage young people in learning about freshwater, encouraging them to reflect on the health of the natural world and how our actions affect it—helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

— Danika Goosney, President and CEO, Canadian Museum of Nature

“At the Canada Water Agency, we know that water security begins with knowledge. By helping young Canadians understand where their water comes from and the challenges facing our freshwater systems, initiatives like the Water Literacy Project strengthen the awareness and stewardship needed to protect this vital resource for generations to come”

— Mark Fisher, President of the Canada Water Agency

“Water knowledge is a wake-up call. The more we learn, the harder it becomes to ignore the dangerous myth that Canada’s freshwater is limitless. It’s time to open our eyes, face the facts, and mobilize a new generation to protect the water that sustains us all.”

— François de Gaspé Beaubien, Founding Chair, AquaAction

“Water knowledge is foundational to water security. It equips young people to understand the many pressures on our freshwater, from pollution and climate change to aging infrastructure and growing demand. In a country where only half of Canadians know where their tap water comes from, education is how we overcome the illusion of abundance and empower the next generation to safeguard our water future.”

— Marie-Paule Jeansonne, Executive Director of the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation

QUICK FACTS:

AquaAction public opinion research on water literacy rates:

https://aquaaction.org/en/press-releases/canadians-value-freshwater-but-feel-uninformed-new-poll-finds

About AquaAction

At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet.

About Canadian Geographic and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Canadian Geographic is Canada’s #1 paid magazine, reaching 4.6 million people each month. Through Canadian Geographic Education, the organization has also built one of the country’s largest educational networks, connecting with more than 28,000 teachers and educators in every province and territory.

Approaching its 100th anniversary in 2029–2030, Canadian Geographic and its charitable home, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, were founded in 1929 with a clear mission: to “make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world.” The organization continues to fulfill this mission through the publication of the magazine, and through excellence in its educational programming that is dedicated to deepening understanding of the country’s human and physical geography. Its motto, Ducit Amor Patriae—“Love of Country leads me”—reflects a guiding ideal that resonates strongly with the challenges and opportunities Canadians face today.

About Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada’s national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum advances the understanding and appreciation of nature through evidence, knowledge, engagement and a sense of wonder. It achieves this through scientific research, a 15-million-specimen collection, education programs and school-workshops, world-class exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.

Media Contact

AquaAction:
Melanie Fontaine
Senior Manager, Media and Communications
melanie.fontaine@aquaaction.org
450-735-3721

Canadian Geographic:
Rosemary Thompson
Vice President External
rthompson@rcgs.org
613-240-6739

Canadian Museum of Nature:
Dan Smythe
Head, Media Relations
dsmythe@nature.ca
613-698-9253