We are so glad to be hosted by The Island Free Libray in an afternoon forum with Maryann Gobern Mathews, Manissean Tribal Council President, Dr. Taino J. Palermo, Esq. and Jennifer Rawlings, Esq. of The Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights,

We invite our community members and fellow conservationists to join us as we learn how to move ahead with Land Back Rights for the Manissean Tribe on their native homeland of Block Island.

With the enthusiasm of The Block Island Conservancy to learn more about these efforts following our keynote presentation in 2025 and along with The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island we know that Block Island can be a leader in centering Indigenous Sovereignty in our land conservation efforts.

We are implementing the work of The Nature Conservancy with their “Voice, Choice, and Action Framework” in their efforts “to partner with Indigenous communities aiming to shift from traditional conservation models to supporting indigenous rights, governance, and management of natural resources.”

We know what we need to do, please join us to learn about the how.

* if you are planning to travel from off island to this event and need help with transportation, please reach out