2026 Tribal WildfireResiliency Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hosted by The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
Funding provided by Cal-Fire Tribal Wildfire Resiliency Grant
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel proudly celebrates the success of its 2026 Tribal Wildfire Resiliency Conference and extends deep gratitude to every Tribal Nation, agency, organization, presenter, cultural leader, fire professional, emergency responder, volunteer, and community member who helped bring this historic gathering to life.
Held as a two-day event focused on strengthening collaboration among Tribal Nations and local, state, and federal partners, the conference brought together more than 250 attendees representing over 50 Tribal Nations, 30 Tribal governments, 13 tribally led organizations, and 45 local, state, federal, and non-governmental agencies.
More than a convening, it was a powerful affirmation of Tribal sovereignty, Indigenous knowledge, and our shared responsibility to protect our lands, sacred places,
and future generations.
As Chairman Kevin Osuna shared:
“The Tribal Wildfire Resiliency Conference was, by every measure, a major success. Events of this magnitude and importance do not happen by accident; they are the result of tireless planning, long days, and a shared commitment to the safety and sovereignty of our communities.”
This accomplishment belongs not only to the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel,
but to all of Indian Country.
Together, we created a space where Tribal Nations could unite, exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the importance of Tribal leadership in wildfire preparedness, cultural burning, emergency management, hazard mitigation, and community resilience. Across generations, our people have carried the sacred responsibility of caring for the land. This gathering honored those teachings while building pathways forward for future generations.
The success of this conference reflects what is possible when Tribal Nations stand together in leadership and purpose. It demonstrated that Indian Country is not waiting to be included in the conversation—we are helping lead it.
This gathering strengthened relationships, fostered collaboration, reinforced a shared commitment to protecting Tribal communities and homelands throughout the region.
This is only the beginning.
We move forward together—stronger, united, and better prepared for the future ahead.
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel remains committed to working alongside Tribal Nations and our state and federal partners to strengthen wildfire resilience and protect our communities for generations to come.
2026 Tribal Wildfire
Resiliency Conference
Hosted by The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
Funding provided by Cal-Fire Tribal Wildfire Resiliency Grant
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel is please to announce the 2026 Tribal Wildfire Resiliency Conference. This two day event will be centered around bridging the gap between Tribal Nations and Local, State, and Federal agencies.
Day 1 is by invitation only and will be held at the Ewinally Ecological Center and Cultural Preserve on the Santa Ysabel Reservation. Tribal leaders and traditional stewards will serve as panelists to express their concerns with interagency collaborations, discuss current federal and state policies affecting Tribes, and to assert their right to self-governance and sovereignty. Key areas of discussion may include policy consultation, funding barriers, limited waivers or sovereign immunity, capacity building, and success stories on interagency collaborations.
Day 2 will be open to the community and will be held at Harrah's Rincon Hotel and Casino in Southern California. Here agencies will address concerns raised by Tribal Leaders and professional from day 1 with break out sessions in the afternoon. Participants will gain valuable knowledge in the fields of Hazard Mitigation, Grants, Cultural Fire, CERT, Fire Policy in Indian Country and so much more.
REGISTRATION
NOW CLOSED
Harrah's Resort Southern California is a large, vibrant casino resort in Funner, CA (formerly Harrah's Rincon), featuring a 59,000-square-foot casino, three pools with a swim-up bar/lazy river, and diverse dining options like Hell's Kitchen. The property includes over 1,000 rooms/suites across three towers, a spa, and live entertainment venue.
Check out the Draft Agenda to get a tentative roadmap of the event, outlining discussion panels, breakout sessions, with times and locations.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Route from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Harrah's Rincon
Sponsors
The vision of the Soboba Foundation can be seen through its mission statement, which is to provide financial assistance for educational and charitable activities that preserve the cultural heritage of the Soboba Band and support Native American and local community programs.
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We deliver transformative outcomes for our planet and its people through trusted partnerships and creative campaigns. We fiscally sponsor projects, design and implement programs and advocacy campaigns, and manage major strategic grantmaking initiatives.
Sycuan’s goals are to educate, build awareness, advance ideas and highlight the positive impact Sycuan and all Tribes have on the San Diego region and beyond via responsible governance, historical significance, business leadership and community outreach.
The Jamul Indian Village of California is one of 12 federally recognized tribes that make up the Kumeyaay Nation of Southern California. The Tribal Members of the Jamul Indian Village of California trace their roots 12,000 years back to a time of independence and self-sufficiency.
The Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA) is a multi-service non-profit corporation established in 1972 for a consortium of 25 federally recognized Indian tribes in Southern California. The primary mission of SCTCA is to serve the health, welfare, safety, education, cultural, economic and employment needs of its tribal members and descendants in the San Diego County urban areas.
We are dedicated to our community and to sharing our cultural traditions. We strive to help our people and care for our lands, to have a better life together, leading the way to a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians gives back to the local community. Since opening its first casino in Palm Springs, the Tribe has contributed millions of dollars to local, civic and public service agencies, youth groups, healthcare organizations, schools, libraries, and food banks.
Agua Caliente prefers funding charitable organizations that provide services within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and the greater Coachella Valley. Applications for funding to non-profit organizations with IRS 501(c)3 classification preferred.
Contact Us
Address
100 School House Canyon Road
Santa Ysabel CA, 92070
Contact
760-765-0845
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed