Bryce Lewis-Smith
Session at the Sierra Nevada Tribal Summit 2026
Panel: Millenia of R&D: Tribal Climate Science and the Climate Fifth Assessment
Sunday, October 1811:30 am–12:30 pmHardrock Live
California is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Indigenous peoples are on the frontlines, enduring and adapting to severe droughts, floods, historic wildfires, rising seas, and record temperatures. Building resilience to these impacts requires sustained investment in climate change research and science. Through California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment and Tribal Research Program, the State is supporting tribally led climate change research initiatives to address this critical need and further support the work already underway in tribal communities. Join staff of the California’s Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LUCI) and Tribal authors to discuss the Fifth Climate Change Assessment and Tribal Research Program advancements, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Rico MirandaModeratorRumsen Ohlone
Bryce Lewis-SmithPotawatomi Nation
Don HankinsMiwkoʔ
Dr. Donna Miranda-BegayCA Native American GIS
Caressa NguyenIone Band of Miwok Indians
Biography
Bryce Lewis-Smith (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) is the Senior Tribal Research Engagement Specialist for the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. He manages the Tribal Research Program of California’s Climate Change Assessments which funds tribally-led climate research, uplifts Indigenous Knowledges, and ensures tribal perspectives inform California’s climate future. Bryce’s work is rooted in Anishinaabe teachings of care and responsibility to leave the world a better place for future generations.