Great Dismal Swamp Stakeholder Collaborative
GDSSC at a Glance
Our Vision
A series of linked conservation and cultural preservation projects – organized in collaboration with federal, state, and municipal leaders -- that reflect the complex ecological history of the Swamp and the rich history of its local communities.
Our Mission
To (i) strengthen the relationship between cultural, tribal, environmental, and governmental organizations in order to (ii) advance activities that are equitable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial for all stakeholders, while (iii) respecting the Swamp as its own stakeholder, with its interests held in trust by the members of the Collaborative.
Our Approach
Host regular facilitated stakeholder meetings + discussions to foster trusting, mutually respectful, and supportive relationships between tribal/federal/state/municipal leaders and cultural community leaders and representatives in the larger Dismal Swamp region.
Fighting for a National Heritage Area
Strengthening Local Economies
Mapping Cultural Memories of the Swamp
Marking Our Place in the World
Storytelling the Histories of the Swamp
Performing Narratives of Liberation, Freedom, and Survivance
Providing K-12 Curriculum Materials
Teaching Our History
“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope”