Dr. Donna Miranda-Begay
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
CEO for CA Native American GIS and Founder of California Native American GIS Summit 2025 and 2026. Tübatulabal cultural practitioner, conservation and cultural bearer, and Tribal researcher. State government technologist for 28 years and CIO for Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwoks. CA Governor Appointee – Dept. Rehabilitation Council (2000–2008), served on Caltrans and CalEPA Tribal Advisory Committees (1998–2011), and CA DWR State Water Plan Advisory Committee and Tribal Water Summit Planning Team (2000–2012). Awarded California State Assembly and Senate proclamations endorsed by California Tribal Chairperson Association in 2018, 2023, and 2024 for her work in the protection of cultural landscapes, environmental justice, advocacy of traditional ecological knowledge for natural resources management and innovated technologies for Tribal communities. Founder of CA Native American GIS Summit 2025 & 2026 – bringing together CA Native American Tribes, Federal/State/Local governments, Non-profits, Academics, and Tribal Youth to share and learn about the uses of GIS based technologies that can help with natural resources management, protection of cultural landscapes, data sovereignty, and environmental justice support. CA Governor’s Tribal Authors’ writing teams – CA Truth and Healing Council “Real CA Native American History” and Land Use and Climate Change – 5th Assessment of Climate Change – Tribal Report 2026.