Our Vision
We envision a world where collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and societies becomes the norm—where Indigenous knowledge, community wisdom, and diverse perspectives are highly valued and actively integrated into building a healthier, more just, and sustainable future. In this world, activists, researchers, young leaders, and passionate community members are equipped with the tools and approaches needed to be empowered to work on messy and complex issues. We work together to address planetary challenges while honoring place-based efforts, ensuring that art, creativity, and relational support coexist with evidence-based thinking to shape thought, policy, and action.
We strive to sustain one another as whole people, rooted in care, respect, and love - working collectively to create lasting, intergenerational impact that uplifts both local initiatives and global solidarity. In this shared journey, knowledge and community become inseparable threads in the fabric of a thriving world
Our Story
Initial Ideas
The Global Ecohealth Summit was first imagined in 2021 by Dr. Margot Parkes and Angel Kennedy (Co-Founder). It began as a space to foster ecological and equity-informed innovation, integration, and global collaboration to improve health for all, which is work that requires not only knowledge, but also relationships, trust, and deep care across regions, disciplines, sectors, and generations. The Summit grew from a desire to create connected, intentional spaces where we don’t just talk about health and sustainability, but where we practice collaboration, hold space for diverse knowledges, and support each other in the face of complex, overlapping challenges.
Why 'Earth Hug'?
We often call this gathering the ‘Earth Hug’, which is a reflection of what it feels like to come together across continents, time zones, and lived experience to say: you’re not alone in this work. In a world that can feel fragmented and overwhelming, Earth Hug is a reminder that connection is a form of resistance, and that love, care, and collective support are essential ingredients in building a healthier, more just, and sustainable future.
Increased Support!
In our Third Annual Summit, we had over 740 people from 88 countries join our event! Thank you for the increasing support and encouragement.
Non-profit
This work has been a passion project for our team for four years now. Despite not having any funding, we truly believe in this work and remain committed to continuing it into the future. In January 2026 we registered the Earth Hug Collective as a non-profit organization in BC, Canada.
Earth Hug Collective Co-Founders
Angel Kennedy
President
angel_kennedy@sfu.ca
Carlos Sanchez-Pimienta
Co-Vice President
carlos.pimienta@mail.utoronto.ca
Evan Griffith
Co-Vice President
evan.griffith@tufts.edu
Earth Hug Summit Planning Sub-Committee