Our Mission
Protecting ancestral lands, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering Wabanaki communities for generations to come.
Mission Statement
"Wolastokwiyik Nawicowok The Sacred Land Trust Inc. is dedicated to protecting and preserving ancestral lands for the Wabanaki people. We aim to empower Wabanaki communities by returning land, promoting cultural practices, and defending environmental and racial justice."
Our mission is rooted in the understanding that land is not merely property—it is the foundation of our spiritual, cultural, and physical well-being as Indigenous peoples. The connection between the Wabanaki and their traditional territories is sacred and unbreakable.
Through our work, we seek to heal the wounds of colonization by returning land to its rightful stewards and ensuring that future generations can continue to practice their cultural traditions on these sacred grounds.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Wabanaki peoples are fully empowered as stewards of their ancestral lands.
Land Sovereignty
A future where Wabanaki nations have regained sovereignty over their ancestral territories and make decisions about land use based on traditional knowledge.
Cultural Flourishing
Communities where traditional languages, ceremonies, and practices are thriving and being passed down to new generations with pride.
Justice & Equity
A society that recognizes and addresses historical injustices while creating equitable opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
The Land Back Movement
Our work aligns with the broader "Land Back" movement—a global initiative advocating for the return of public lands to Indigenous peoples. This movement seeks to:
- Dismantle the systems that facilitated land dispossession
- Reclaim and revitalize Indigenous culture and language
- Restore traditional health practices and ceremonies
- Protect sacred knowledge connected to the land
- Ensure environmental stewardship for future generations
The Wolastoqey Nations' historic land claim—covering over half of New Brunswick—demonstrates the ongoing struggle for recognition of Aboriginal title and the importance of land return initiatives.
Geographic Focus
Our primary work is centered in New Brunswick, on the ancestral lands of the Wabanaki people.
🗺️ Territory
The Wabanaki territory spans across what is now known as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Maine, and parts of Quebec. Our organization focuses primarily on the New Brunswick region, particularly the Wolastoqey (Saint John River) watershed.
We work to protect lands that have been sacred to our people for over 12,000 years—forests, rivers, and coastal areas that hold deep spiritual and cultural significance.
🌎 Extended Reach
While based in New Brunswick, we also support BIPOC communities across New England in accessing land and connecting with their ancestral territories.
We collaborate with partner organizations, land trusts, and Indigenous nations throughout the broader Wabanaki Confederacy territory to advance land return and cultural preservation goals.
Our Approach
We take a holistic, community-centered approach to land protection and cultural preservation.
Community-Led
All our initiatives are guided by Wabanaki communities and elders, ensuring that our work reflects the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
Culturally Grounded
Our work is rooted in traditional knowledge, practices, and values passed down through generations of Wabanaki ancestors.
Collaborative
We partner with allies, organizations, and governments to advance our mission while maintaining Indigenous leadership and sovereignty.
Future-Focused
Every decision we make considers the impact on the next seven generations, as taught by our ancestors.
Support Our Mission
Help us protect and preserve Wabanaki ancestral lands for current and future generations.