An annual gathering to reconnect, remember, and rise together through Indigenous-led conservation and cultural revitalization.
The Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) Gathering is an event that brings together Indigenous Nations, governments, and communities along the Pacific West Coast to strengthen relationships and honour our shared responsibilities to the lands and waters that connect us—from estuaries to old growth forests.
Guided by the principles:
Hishuk’ish tsawalk – Everything is one and everything is interconnected
Naut’sa mawt – Working together as one
Namwayut - We are all one
E2OG creates a space for deep dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaboration rooted in Indigenous knowledge, values, and visions for the future.
Strengthen relationships among Indigenous Nations through cultural exchange, shared experiences, and open dialogue that foster collaboration.
Support Indigenous-led conservation by building capacity through knowledge sharing, storytelling, and intergenerational learning.
Revitalize cultural practices and restore balance with the land and each other through ceremony, teachings, and community connection.
Advance shared priorities—including stewardship, restoration, and economic resilience—to shape a thriving, interconnected future.
The Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) Collaboration Declaration is a shared expression of commitment among Indigenous Nations along the Pacific West Coast to strengthen stewardship, governance, and collaboration across interconnected coastal territories - from estuaries to the last remaining old growth forests.
Emerging from years of relationship-building and brought forward in ceremony at the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, the Declaration reflects a collective understanding that lands, waters, cultures, and economies are deeply connected, and that caring for them requires coordination, collaboration, and long-term vision.
The Declaration is not a legal instrument. It is a non-binding, relationship-based statement of intent that honours Indigenous laws, teachings, and leadership. Endorsement signals a Nation’s interest in participating in a regional, Nation-led alliance focused on protecting lands and waters, strengthening cultural practices, advancing stewardship, and building resilient futures for generations to come.
Both a milestone and a beginning, the Declaration marks a moment of alignment and establishes a foundation for continued Nation-to-Nation collaboration, alongside partners committed to supporting Indigenous leadership.
Estuary to Old Growth Collaboration Declaration
Declaration Purpose
The Estuary to Old Growth Collaboration Declaration serves as:
A shared statement of intention among Indigenous Nations, partners, and allies
A framework for alignment across stewardship, governance, and restoration priorities
A platform for strengthening collective influence, enabling participating Nations to advance shared priorities and shape opportunities at provincial, federal, and international levels
A pathway to shared opportunities, including joint funding proposals, cross-Nation stewardship partnerships, collaborative nature-based solutions and financing pathways, mentorship and technical training, and cultural exchanges and regional gatherings
An invitation to collaborate in ways that respect the sovereignty, authority, and decision-making processes of each Nation
Read the Declaration
Estuary to Old Growth Collaboration Declaration
A shared expression of vision among participating Indigenous Nations to strengthen Indigenous-led stewardship, governance, and care for lands and waters from estuaries to old growth forests.
Allies Declaration
A set of 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 collaboration.
Statement of Intention
An individual expression of commitment for those not signing on behalf of a Nation, or who wish to reflect more deeply, to engage with the Declaration and bring it forward within their organizations, leadership, or communities for further consideration.
The Estuary to Old Growth Declarations are living documents, strengthened as Nations and organizations bring them forward through their own leadership and governance processes.
We invite:
Indigenous Nations to bring the Estuary to Old GrowthCollaboration Declaration forward for internal discussion and consideration of formal endorsement through appropriate leadership channels.
Partners and allies to review the Allies Declaration and consider endorsement in alignment with their organization’s mandate and commitments.
For all interested Nations and organizations:
Explore how the commitments outlined in the relevant Declaration align with existing stewardship, governance, and organizational priorities.
Identify opportunities to participate in regional collaboration and shared initiatives.
Our team will continue building support and ensuring broad, meaningful representation across the region. See below for supporting materials:
Next Steps
Supporting Materials
These materials are designed to help individuals introduce the E2OG Declaration to their leadership, providing the context and key messages needed to support internal discussions and consideration of endorsement. Please feel free to use and share these resources, or reach out to the IISAAK OLAM Foundation team for more information or support.
Past Events
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E2OG 3.0 Report
January 19-23, 2026
Snaw-Naw-As and Kwalikum Territories
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![2025 Regional Circle Summary Report Cover]()
Regional Circle Report
April 29-30, 2025
T’Sou-ke Territory
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![Cover page for the 2024 E2OG Report]()
E2OG 2.0 Report
November 25-28, 2024
Snaw-Naw-As and Kwalikum Territories
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![Cover page for the 2023 E2OG report]()
E2OG 1.0 Report
November 15-17, 2023
T’Sou-ke Territory
FAQ
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See Participant Eligibility section below
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No, participation in the Regional Circle and Estuary to Old Growth Gathering is free for participants attending on behalf their Nation or the Nation they work for.
If participants have the capacity to support the events, we warmly welcome contributions through our We Rise Together crowdfunding campaign here: https://ipcainnovation.ca/werisetogether
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Yes! All meals during the Regional Circle and Estuary to Old Growth Gathering will be provided. You can let us know about any dietary restrictions when you fill out your registration form.
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Yes, accommodation at the Tigh-Na-Mara Oceanfront Resort will be arranged and covered for registered participants.
If you plan to arrive early, depart late, or make your own arrangements, please contact our team at wisp@iisaakolam.ca to coordinate.
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Yes, travel expenses for registered participants are eligible for reimbursement, but subject to availability of funds. If your travel distance exceeds what has been budgeted, we may not be able to fully cover your costs.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the planning team at wisp@iisaakolam.ca
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Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer on-site childcare during the events.
If you plan to bring a relative or childcare provider to help during your stay, please email us at wisp@iisaakolam.ca to coordinate accommodation.
Please note that we are unable to cover costs associated with additional accommodation.
Organizing Team
The Estuary to Old Growth Gathering is organized by the IISAAK OLAM Foundation and our sister charity, the Canadian Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre Association (CICICA), through the Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP).
Questions? We’re happy to help! Contact us at: wisp@iisaakolam.ca
Ready to support this work?
Interested in being a partner or sponsor of the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering in 2027?
Thank you to our 2025/2026 sponsors:
