Hon. Diana Almendariz
Session at the Sierra Nevada Tribal Summit 2026
Panel: Cultural Fire Stewardship
Monday, October 1910:00–11:00 amHardrock Live
The Cultural Fire Stewardship panel will bring together five experienced fire practitioners from across the Sierra Nevada Bioregion to discuss what it takes to activate community engagement in cultural fire. Each of these leaders bring years of dedication, experience, and knowledge to be able to provide a diversity of perspectives on cultural fire –from fire protection to community health, to tending food, plant, and ecosystems– this is a pivotal moment to embrace fire for our communities.
Twyla PiatoteModeratorNez Perce
Dirk CharleyMono/Yokut
Saxon ThomasNisenan
Matthew MooreIndigenous Futures Society
Sadie HampshireNisenan | Washoe
Hon. Diana AlmendarizMaidu/Wintun/Hupa/Yurok
Biography
Diana is a cultural practitioner and storyteller of Maidu/Wintun and Hupa/Yurok traditions, heritage, and experiences dedicated to the cultural and ecological revival and restoration of her homeland. Grounded in the Traditional Ecological Knowledge passed down by her grandmother and elders, Diana has dedicated her life sharing knowledge and perspectives through educational programs with institutions and organizations such as the University of California Davis and Cache Creek Conservancy. She is a cultural fire practitioner and a traditional steward of cultural resources, including tule, first foods, and acorn. She is passionate about educating the public about Indigenous land stewardship, contemporary challenges, and culture.