Cal’ Smith
Session at the Sierra Nevada Tribal Summit 2026
Panel: Indigenous Tourism & Creative Economy
Monday, October 192:30–3:30 pmHardrock Live
This panel explores the intersection of Indigenous tourism and the creative economy, focusing on regenerative models deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge. Moving beyond extractive tourism, panelists will discuss how Indigenous-led innovation can support long-term environmental and cultural stewardship while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Aspen CarrilloModeratorYerington Paiute | Washoe
Travis NabahePaiute-Shoshone
Cal’ SmithLower-Cowlitz/ Yakama Tribal Nation
Sara Calvosa OlsonKaruk
Biography
Cal Smith comes from the Grand Ronde, Lower-Cowlitz, and Yakama Tribal Nations. Growing up disparate of a cultural identity he found it high in the alpine of the Cascadian mountains – namely, the 5 volcanoes. Since 2019 he has worked as a mountain guide in Washington, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and even British Columbia. Mountain guiding has afforded him many challenges as one of the very few Native mountain-guides; while, catalyzing relations to tribes and communities in every region he has been invited to. Although career paths are directing him to graduate school, guiding remains a constant as a means to connect with Indian Country and First Nations.