Honor Tribal Sovereignty TODAY
- mae8288
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
July 1st marked the formal opening of the public feedback period for the public to weigh in on the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, the major plan shaping how Sovereign governments come together to protect this national treasure. The plan is a critical opportunity to heal the Bay by expanding Indigenous care over ancestral landscapes, respecting Indigenous Knowledge as central to its success, and honoring tribal sovereignty by creating a new Signatory for Tribal Nations.
Since signing our resolution in January 2025, we have been moved by the support of many and enjoyed deep conversations about new opportunities. The Chesapeake Bay was recently approved by Mission Blue as a new global Hope Spot, precisely because of the strong collaboration and opportunity to honor Indigenous Knowledge in how we manage the Bay.
Despite this momentum, we were recently disappointed to see all six states, the District of Columbia, the EPA, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission agree they could not extend signatory status without a new charge issued by Signatories (check out this rundown of the decision here). But we are resolved that this can, will, and MUST happen. We know that the Bay needs Indigenous Knowledge and Tribal Nations need to be fully connected to their ancestral lands to help heal them.
"We are behind the curve but we can catch up. We look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with other Sovereign Governments and legally and politically recognized consortium partners as Signatories and valued leaders in the efforts to come." --Board of Directors, Indigenous Conservation Council
Tribal leaders have come together to ask for the public to stand in solidarity with Tribal Nations. We are asking for clear action by the Chesapeake Executive Council on our resolution calling for signatory status and to affirm that Indigenous Knowledge will be not just "considered" but respected on par with western science. We are calling for clear commitments to an Indigenous Guardians program that is funded. We are insisting on real leadership on regional land conservation goals, especially for lands that are tribally managed and cared for.
Tribal Nation members are ready to rise to the occasion. Are you?
Read the full letter here:
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