Estuary to Old Growth Collaboration Declaration

Declaration Materials for Context & Grounding

As part of the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, participants are invited to engage with a set of shared documents that reflect the relationships, responsibilities, and intentions emerging through this collective work.

The Estuary to Old Growth Collaboration Declaration expresses a shared vision among participating Indigenous Nations to strengthen Indigenous-led stewardship, governance, and care for lands and waters from estuaries to old growth forests.

The Statement of Intention provides a way for individuals who are not signing on behalf of a Nation, or who need to reflect more deeply, to express their commitment to engaging with the Declaration, including bringing it forward within their organizations, leadership, or communities for further consideration.

The Allies Declaration outlines principles, responsibilities, and commitments for Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, governments, funders, and partners who seek to walk alongside Indigenous Nations in respectful, accountable, and long-term ways.

These documents are shared in advance to support reflection and dialogue. During the Gathering, there will be dedicated space to learn more about how the Declarations came to be, ask questions, and, for those who wish, participate in a signing ceremony on Thursday, January 22nd.

Signing is voluntary and is offered as an expression of alignment and intention at this moment in time. Each document is understood as a living commitment, grounded in relationships and ongoing responsibility rather than a finite opportunity.

We encourage participants to review the documents in advance to support a shared understanding of their purpose and the processes planned during the Gathering.

Estuary Exchange

Where Waters, Knowledge, and Support Converge

Estuaries are places of transformation, where river and ocean meet in a constant exchange, creating rich, life-sustaining conditions. Inspired by this ecological process, the Estuary Exchange is a dedicated space for connection during the Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) Gathering, taking place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Designed as a living metaphor for exchange flow, this session brings together Indigenous leaders, partners, and allies to share what they can offer in support of Indigenous-led stewardship. Partner organizations host tables within the Exchange, creating a physical presence where they share resources such as knowledge, tools, capacity, relationships, and other forms of support.

The Estuary Exchange is intended to foster dialogue, learning, and relationship-building, creating space for meaningful connections that can support Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship efforts along the coast.

First 30x30: Program Overview

Early Information for Participants

As part of the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, we are sharing information about First 30x30 Canada, a non-profit conservation finance program, to flag an emerging opportunity that may be of interest to some Indigenous Nations.

We are sharing this information in advance of the Gathering to ensure Nations are aware of the opportunity and have time to review it before any discussion takes place. There will be space during the Gathering on Wednesday, January 21, to learn more and ask questions for those who are interested.

Note: Sharing this information does not imply expectation or obligation. Participation in First 30x30 activities is entirely optional and Nation-led.

About the Program

First 30x30 is a non-profit conservation finance program led by 3 partner organizations: Nature for Justice, IISAAK OLAM Foundation, and Nature Focus Development. The program's goal is to support Indigenous governments in exploring financial pathways for IPCAs and the cultural management of Indigenous lands. 

Right now, our team has funding to do "market opportunity assessments" or "MOAs", free of cost. MOAs map out ways to drive investment into land-based work that Indigenous Nations want to do in their territories, like improving forest management, conserving important areas, and ecosystem restoration. The MOA process is a starting point for the First 30x30 team to build a working relationship with the Nation's team and partners. After the MOA, First 30x30 can support fundraising, project development, and capacity building (like workshops or training) for community members if desired. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

You can learn more on the program's website: https://first30x30.earth/