The Chesapeake Bay region is the ancestral home for many Indigenous nations. These communities have long served as stewards of the land and waters, maintaining spiritual, cultural and ecological ties to the region. Yet, even today, their voices are often left out of key environmental decisions. We must not repeat history by continuing to ignore their rightful place in efforts to protect and restore this vital ecosystem.
The Issue: Exclusion from Decision Making
The Chesapeake Bay Program is currently revising the next version of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, a guiding document for restoration and conservation efforts in the region. Historically, this agreement has not incorporated or had signatories representing the Tribal Nations including recently federally recognized tribes.
Seven federally recognized tribes in Virginia: The Chickahominy Indian Tribe, Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division, Monacan Indian Nation, Nansemond Indian Nation, Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Rappahannock Tribe and Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, hold legal and political status as sovereign governments. Despite this, they have not yet been included as equal partners in shaping the Chesapeake Bay’s future.
In 2014, when the Watershed Agreement was last updated, they added three additional signatories to recognize the contribution or jurisdictions to the Bay program’s goal and health. As we look ahead to the 2025 revision, Tribal Nations (mentioned above) are calling for the same recognition and inclusion.
A Unified Declaration
On January 15, 2025, the seven Tribal Nations came together under the Indigenous Conservation Council to adopt a joint resolution after a year of exploring the Chesapeake Bay Program. A Declaration of Tribal Nations as Sovereign Governments Committed to the Protection and Restoration of Ancestral Lands and Waters through the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership (Full Declaration here). This declaration outlines three key priorities aimed at strengthening environmental protection and honoring Tribal Sovereignty.
Why it Matters
This moment is not only about inclusion. It’s about justice, healing and resorting balance. The Tribal Nations have always been a part of the Chesapeake Bay’s story. It’s time they are given a seat at the table alongside state of New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Maryland, the State of West Virginia, the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the District of Columbia, the US Federal Government, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission to collaborate to protect this ecosystem and national treasure.
Call to action: Your Voice Matters
We must urge the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council to acknowledge the Tribal Nations and fully adopt the requests outlined in their declaration. Add your signature to the Indigenous Conservation Council’s petition demanding their inclusion and standing in solidarity with Tribal Nations: Sign the Petition Here and share with your networks!
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