2026 Impact Report
Stewards of the Southwest
2026 Stewards of the Southwest Summit
The summit convened in the Tamaya Pueblo (Pueblo of Santa Ana), bringing together Indigenous foresters, natural resource experts, cultural fire practitioners, hydrologists, NGOs, state & federal agencies, and land stewards to highlight the successes, challenges, and road ahead of Indigenous-led stewardship in the Southwest.
Statistics:
28 NGO’s
Over 174 Participants
23 Pueblos/Tribes
4 Businesses
4 State Departments
3 Federal Departments
7 Academic Institutions
Rooted in Responsibility: Indigenous Women Caring for the Land
This panel, organized and moderated by Linsday Riggs, Diné, Coalitions and Collaboratives featured Caitlyn Cruz - Ohkay Owingeh, Colorado State University alumni, Dominique Chavez - Arawak Taíno, Colorado State University, Phoebe Suina - Pueblo of Cochiti, High Water Mark LLC, and Serra Hoagland PhD., Pueblo of Laguna, US Forest Service discussed the context, importance, and future opportunities for Indigenous women to lead stewardship work, natural resource departments, NGOs, and more.
Panelists shared their expertise, knowledge, stories, and advice to participants to elevate and support Indigenous women to thrive as leaders in their field and community.
From Story to Stewardship: Tribal Ways of Knowing - New Mexico Tribal Fire &
This year, the Summit aimed to emphasize the importance of weaving traditional stories into present and future stewardship work. This session invited representatives from various Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations to share traditional cultural fire stories that have shaped their worldview, communities, and stewardship work. We are deeply grateful to all of our storytellers who shared their time and knowledge with us.
Speaker Highlights:
Cabinet Secretary Josett D. Monette Esq. New Mexico Indian Affairs Department
Governor John Galvan - Pueblo of Jemez
Ryan Reed, Program Director and Co-Founder - FireGeneration Collaborative - (Karuk, Hupa,Yurok)
Case Study Presentation: Bosque Restoration Site - Santa Ana Pueblo Natural Resources Department
The Santa Ana Natural Resources Department shared their current work and expertise on restoring the bosque area.
Case Study Presentation: Wood For Life - Pueblo of Zia
The Pueblo of Zia Natural Resources Department shared how they began and maintained their impressive Wood for Life operation as a wood lot and hub for firewood across Northern New Mexico. Participants learned about how they might be able to replicate similar models in their own communities and which resources are available to initiate this process.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to our co-organizers: The Forest Stewards Guild, New Mexico State Forestry Division, Coalitions & Collaboratives, and The Nature Conservancy - New Mexico. A special thank you to the Pueblo of Santa Ana for being gracious hosts for our gathering, as well as to the Pueblo of Santa Ana Natural Resources Department for assisting in the planning, production, and presentation of the 2026 Summit. Thank you!
Financial Contributors:
