Indigenous Futures Society

The 2026 Sierra Nevada Tribal Summit, themed 'Fire, Water & Story: Governing the Sierra Nevada as One Living System,' is the fourth annual gathering designed to highlight the critical role of Indigenous societies in environmental stewardship and climate policy. The summit focuses on advancing Indigenous-led governance in key areas such as First Waters Governance, cultural fire stewardship, first foods sovereignty, biocultural credit economy, and Indigenous tourism and creative economy. It aims to integrate Tribal science and traditional knowledge into state climate policy, ensuring that the perspectives of Tribal nations, who have stewarded the Sierra Nevada bioregion, are central to decision-making. The event includes a field visit, cultural workshops, storytelling, and intertribal celebrations, fostering relationship, reciprocity, and Nation Builder leadership.