Indicators of Climate Change: Impacts on California Tribes

October 20, 2026

Owens Lake part of the homeland of many of the California Paiute Tribes

Owens Lake, a mostly dry lake on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. This area has been the homeland of Native American tribes since time immemorial. Photo credit: B. Lock, OEHHA

OEHHA recognizes the value of tribal knowledge in reporting on, and raising awareness of, climate impacts. OEHHA engages with California tribes on an ongoing basis.
We invite tribes to contact us at any time to work together on this project.

California Tribes and Climate Change: Voices from the Frontlines (Video Series)

As part of our efforts to document the impacts of climate change on California, OEHHA is producing a series of videos in which tribes tell their own climate change stories. Through these videos, OEHHA aims to help amplify tribal voices and recognize the value of indigenous knowledge around climate change issues – a promise OEHHA made when we started working with tribes on climate change. These videos are intended to bring to life information on the impacts of climate change on California’s tribal nations.

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians

The first video features the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and was filmed in Lake County.

Bishop Paiute Tribe and Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley

The second video features the Bishop Paiute Tribe and members of the Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley and was filmed in the Eastern Sierra.

Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe

The third video features the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and was filmed in Nevada City.

Honoring Tribal Knowledge and Climate Stories

For several years, OEHHA has worked in partnership with California Native American tribes to document and honor tribal knowledge, observations, experiences, and stories of a changing climate. The reports below reflect the voices and perspectives tribes have generously shared with us. While climate conditions continue to change, these stories and observations remain an important record of tribal knowledge, experience, and connection to place even with everchanging climate patterns and tribal priorities.

As we release the 2026 reports, we honor this legacy while continuing to build upon it; through new tribe-specific reports, stronger and sustained relationships, and storytelling that centers tribal voices and knowledge. This work is not simply about documenting climate impacts; it is about listening, learning, and supporting tribes in telling their own stories of change, resilience, stewardship, and connection to their homelands.

Reports: Impacts of Climate Change on California Tribes

The fourth and fifth editions of OEHHA’s Indicators of Climate Change in California include the tribal reports below. We are grateful to each tribe that has shared their knowledge and experiences and look forward to continuing and expanding this work.

If your tribe is interested in collaborating with OEHHA on future climate reports, relationships, or storytelling, please contact Annika Alexander-Ozinskas, OEHHA Tribal Affairs Environmental Scientist.

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California

Bishop Paiute Tribe

Karuk Tribe

Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe of California and Nevada

North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California

Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Wiyot Tribe

Listening Session summaries

Interested in providing input?

If your tribe is interested in providing input, please contact us at any time.

Annika Alexander-Ozinskas, annika.alexander-ozinskas@oehha.ca.gov

Emma Tanner, emma.tanner@oehha.ca.gov

To stay connected, join the listserv to get updates on opportunities to provide input:

https://oehha.ca.gov/about/listserv

Other Resources

Climate Conversations

A video by the California Department of Water Resources discussing the first-hand the consequences of climate change tribes face as they depend upon their environment for subsistence, traditional and spiritual practices, and sacred places.

Grants/Funding

California Native American Tribal Relations: Funding Opportunities

The California Environmental Protection Agency and its Boards, Departments and Offices offer various funding opportunities that are eligible to California Native American tribal governments.