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.