Turtle Island
BIOREGIONAL CONGRESS 11

September 15-19, 2026
Cascadia: Vernonia, Oregon

Welcome to the Congress

The eleventh Turtle Island Bioregional Congress builds on five decades of bioregional organizing and ten earlier continental congresses in North America (1984–2009).

This 2026 gathering rekindles a tradition of learning in place, celebrating our cultures, and coordinating for long-term regeneration. What happens here will set the stage for place-based resilience in the years ahead.

The purpose of the Congress is to amplify the wave of bioregional organizing across the continent for increased community resilience, Indigenous leadership, local self-governance, climate action, ecological regeneration, and a flourishing future for all life.

We're organizing the 2026 Congress to channel rising bioregional momentum into coordinated action.

A new wave of bioregional organizing is on the rise and this gathering will help cohere and channel the flow of this momentum. We will unite ~300 place-based allies with three goals:

1

Grow the Movement

TIBC11 is a space to nurture trust, relationships, and solidarity across and within the bioregional communities of this continent. The Congress will allow ample space for connection, strengthening friendships, and celebrating our life-places together.

2

Build Capacity

Story-sharing by bioregional and Indigenous elders will ensure today's leaders carry forward wisdom and lessons learned. Open space for skills shares will allow us to learn key tactics like bioregional finance, earth law, and whatever else you want to teach the group.

3

Align on Strategy

We'll hold space for organizing at the bioregional and continental level. We'll gather for stewardship councils to identify shared strategic priorities and make plans for coordinated action.

At the Congress

Ceremony

We will open and close with ceremony to honor the earth, waters, and original peoples of the land hosting us. Expect moments of grounding and gratitude that root the Congress in relationship with the more-than-human world.

Connection

Gather in bioregional and topic-based circles to meet collaborators, elders, and emerging leaders from across Turtle Island. These spaces are designed for relationship-building, strategy, and kinship that lasts beyond the event.

Convergence

Congress sessions are strategic councils where all participants will have a voice in collective sense-making and decision-making about the future of our movement.

Learning

The Congress is co-created through open space sessions and workshops led by participants. Share tools, stories, and practices that strengthen bioregional organizing and regenerate our communities.

Arts & Celebration

Participatory art, music, and evening festivities weave creativity and joy throughout the gathering, culminating in the All Species Ball. Celebration is part of the work — a living expression of culture, resilience, and love for place.

Village School

A half-day children’s program offers nature-based learning, play, and storytelling for young ones. Families are supported so multiple generations can fully participate in the Congress.

Registration

Thanks for your interest in the Turtle Island Bioregional Congress! Registration opens to the public March 20. Please join our mailing list to be notified when registration opens.

Registration

Scholarships

We're offering a robust scholarship program to ensure the Congress is inclusive of the diverse voices of Turtle Island. Learn more and apply now!

Scholarships

Work Trade

Co-create the Congress and experience the gathering at a discounted rate. There are work positions available in a variety of areas. Find out more to see if this is the right option for you.

Work Trade

SPEAKERS

Organizers & Advisors

Trusted bioregional organizers and organizations have partnered to co-create this transformative continental gathering. We look forward to welcoming more bioregions, organizations, and individuals into participation in this collaborative effort very soon.