Water First + Cheque Presentation

John Millar

Executive Director and Founder

Water First

John Millar has fifteen years experience running education and training programs in partnership with Indigenous communities in Canada. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, studying community development and the biophysical environment, and gained his master's degree at the University of Victoria with a focus on non-profits and government policy. 

He has worked with numerous NGOs at home and abroad, in the fields of education and water. At the University of Guelph, John worked as a degree program design consultant and lecturer. John started Water First in 2009, in the back of his home, in Creemore, Ontario. Water First now has about 40 staff and has collaborated with over 80 Indigenous communities in Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, B.C, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.

Ami Gopal

Director of Development and Communications

Water First

Ami has over 22 years experience and a proven track record in fundraising and communications. She enjoys nurturing meaningful relationships with Water First supporters and believes unique outcomes are possible through collaboration. Ami shares Water First's stories to increase awareness and build support for the organization, and strives to create impact through dismantling barriers and addressing systemic inequity.