CALL FOR PARTICIPANT-LED DISCUSSION PROPOSALS

Call for Proposals has Ended

Imagine a space where Indigenous knowledge systems and values guide our approach to climate solutions.

A Meeting of Sacred Waters brings together Indigenous Peoples from across the world to explore how Indigenous-led approaches can restore balance at the intersection of wellbeing, waters, and climate. This gathering creates space for local knowledge holders to connect their community experiences to a broader global conversation. 

By coming together as a global stewardship community, we can create space for shared learning, relationship-building and Indigenous-led solutions that support systemic change and strengthen law, policy, and management practices. 

We invite you to help co-create a space for conversation, collective learning, and sparking innovation! 

About Participant-Led Discussions

The Restoring Balance Collaborative welcomes Indigenous Peoples representing Tribal Nations, organizations, and communities to join this shared conversation. Sessions at A Meeting of Sacred Waters are designed to be participant-led discussions, meaning, you will guide an engaging conversation that invites others into the dialogue, and sparks connection across our global stewardship community. 

Focus Areas

Indigenous-led knowledge systems are needed to inform legal, regulatory, policy, and practical approaches to ensure an abundant future.

An important goal of this gathering is to highlight examples of Indigenous stewardship practices and solutions to meaningfully address health and critical responses to ecosystems under threat. 

What do we consider Indigenous Stewardship practices? Land and water stewardship practices are connected by water. Water is the source for all ecosystems. The visual below provides examples of how water connects us and our stewardship practices. Session proposals should consider addressing an interconnected topic in one or more of the thematic areas.

The examples provided are simply a guide to inspire ideas. Proposals that explore other topics or frame them differently are welcome. Your knowledge and lived experience matter, and all submissions will be reviewed with equal consideration.

Session Format

We are accepting session proposals for our 90-minute concurrent sessions taking place on June 23-24 (exact times to be confirmed). 

Discussion leaders are strongly encouraged to be creative and include engaging formats that invite collaboration and participation. Sessions should incorporate one or more of the following: 

• Share knowledge from lived experiences, community work, or applied practice. 
• Highlight promising and innovative practices with demonstrated impact.
• Offer a skill or approach participants can explore.
• Create space for dialogue, reflection, and shared learning. 

Outcomes

Following the gathering, the Collaborative will prepare a Sacred Waters Summary to uplift key themes, practices, and community recommendations. Selected session titles, abstracts, and presenter names may be featured. The summary will be made publicly available and shared with all attendees. By submitting a proposal you are giving us permission to feature your session information in the Sacred Waters Summary to advance the goals of the gathering.

Contact Information

If you need support with your submission or have any questions, please email our Community Builder + Education Lead, Theresa Cariño at: Theresa.c@restorebalance.world