An annual gathering to reconnect, remember, and rise together through Indigenous-led conservation and cultural revitalization.
Overview
The Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) Gathering is an annual 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.
Upcoming Events
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Fall Regional Circle
November 23–24, 2025
A focused dialogue space for land and water stewards located in the northern half of Vancouver Island, to share updates, align priorities, and connect. -
Estuary to Old Growth Gathering
November 24–28, 2025
A multi-day gathering of Indigenous land and water stewards from across Vancouver Island and beyond, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and co-create a shared path forward.
The Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) Gatherings are a core initiative of the Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP), led by the IISAAK OLAM Foundation in collaboration with the Canadian Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre Association (CICICA).
These gatherings are complemented by seasonal Regional Circles throughout the year, ensuring continued connection and momentum between annual events.
E2OG Gatherings celebrate cultural heritage, foster shared learning about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), and support a growing network of Indigenous Nations working to restore and protect their territories in ways that reflect their values, responsibilities, and laws.
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.
Estuary Exchange
Estuaries are places of transformation, where fresh and salt waters flow together to create abundance. Inspired by this powerful ecological process called “exchange flow,” the Estuary Exchange on Wednesday, November 26th of the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering is all about connection. It’s a place where partners and allies can share their unique “waters” (knowledge, tools, resources, capacity) with Indigenous leaders, while also learning from their visions and guidance.
If you are interested in participating in the Estuary Exchange, please register below our contact the planning team at wisp@iisaakolam.ca
As part of your participation, you'll have the opportunity to:
Showcase your work by hosting a booth at the Estuary Exchange.
Listen and learn from Indigenous conservation visions and experiences.
Share your expertise and resources in a space designed for mutual support and knowledge exchange.
Explore opportunities for partnership and co-creation beyond the gathering itself.
Past Events
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![2025 Regional Circle Summary Report Cover]()
Regional Circle Report
April 29-20, 2025
T’Sou-ke Territory
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![Cover page for the 2024 E2OG Report]()
E2OG 2024 Report
November 25-28, 2024
Snaw-Naw-As and Kwalikum Territories
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![Cover page for the 2023 E2OG report]()
E2OG 2023 Report
November 15-17, 2023
T’Sou-ke Territory
Who is the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering for?
We warmly welcome participation from:
Members of Indigenous Nations located on Vancouver Island – with a special invitation extended to Elders and youth
orStaff working for an Indigenous Nation on Vancouver Island, attending with the support or permission of the Nation you represent
And we kindly ask that:
You are one of up to three representatives attending on behalf of your Nation. (To ensure equitable access, we are able to cover travel, accommodations, and meals for up to three participants per Nation.)
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
