OUR WORKING PRINCIPLES

Indigenous East follows these principles in our work:

• We believe that the land has its own rights, which we must respect as we work to protect nature.

• We work with a long-term perspective, understanding that building trust takes time. Our goal is to make a lasting impact, rather than achieving quick results.

• We work collaboratively with our communities to find solutions based on the wisdom and values of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples of Turtle Island.

• We center Indigenous and Afro-descendant beliefs and ways of understanding.

• We follow the practice of getting free, prior, and informed consent. We expect our partners to do the same.

• We only join in projects if we're invited, being clear about what we want and respecting the wishes of the community. We don't push ourselves into places we are not wanted.

• We don't move forward with projects unless the communities involved continue to give their consent and stay involved; borrowing a phrase from the Disability Rights movement: "We believe that nothing about us without us is for us."