Our Mission

The members of Indigenous East are working to support and accelerate the protection of Indigenous Cultural Landscapes (ICLs) and other critical lands for both people and nature. Our focus is on creating a connected network of Indigenous community leaders and Indigenous-led protected areas that span the east coast of the United States, from Maine to Florida.

Indigenous East does not directly manage or hold these lands; instead, we serve as a platform where Indigenous communities and organizations can come together to share resources, collaborate, and support each other’s land protection and rematriation efforts.

In addition, we are committed to amplifying the value of Indigenous Science (IS) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), while also supporting the advancement of Indigenous and Afro-Indigenous scientists, leaders, and stewards within conservation organizations and governmental bodies.