Estuary to Old Growth Gathering

Update:

Please note that the Regional Circle and third annual Estuary to Old Growth Gathering have been rescheduled to January 2026:

Regional Circle, January 18-19, 2026
Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, January 19-23, 2026

Registration for both events is now closed. Please contact wisp@iisaakolam.ca to be added to the waitlist.

An annual gathering to reconnect, remember, and rise together through Indigenous-led conservation and cultural revitalization.

To ensure Indigenous leaders can attend the 3rd annual Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, we’ve launched the We Rise Together Crowdfunding Campaign. We need your help to bring everyone to the table. The third annual Gathering is made possible through the collective efforts of community and partner organizations who share a responsibility to care for the lands, waters, and one another.

Your generosity helps remove barriers, strengthen connections, and lay the foundation for a thriving future rooted in Indigenous leadership.

Support Our Campaign

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

Fall Regional Circle

January 18-19, 2026

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

January 19-23, 2026

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. See draft agenda below.

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.

Boat excursion in Tla-o-qui-aht Territory

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.

FAQ

See Participant Eligibility section below
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
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.
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.
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
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.

Past Events

Regional Circle Report

April 29-20, 2025
T’Sou-ke Territory

Read the Report Here
E2OG 2024 Report

November 25-28, 2024
Snaw-Naw-As and Kwalikum Territories

Read the 2024 Report Here
E2OG 2023 Report

November 15-17, 2023
T’Sou-ke Territory

Read the 2023 Report Here

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
or
Staff 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