Tribal Engagement

Overview/Background

California Water Plan Update 2005 represented the first time Tribal recommendations were included and called for increasing Tribal involvement in statewide, regional, and local water planning. This was the first concerted effort to bring Tribal water needs into the planning process. 

In California Water Plan Update 2005, California Tribal water interests were represented through the Public Advisory Committee. In California Water Plan Update 2009 (Update 2009), the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) believed that Tribal involvement would be better designed by the California Native American Tribes themselves. Therefore, the Update 2009 Tribal Communication Committee was established to increase Tribal involvement and develop Tribal specific recommendations.

Timeline showing history of tribal engagement with the California Water Plan from 2005 to 2028, highlighting key events: 2005 CWP Tribal Participation; 2009 formation of CWP Tribal Communications Committee and development of Tribal Communication Plan, plus 1st Tribal Water Summit; 2013 CWP Tribal AC 2nd Tribal Water Summit and Tribal Communication Plan updated; 2018 CWP Tribal AC 3rd Tribal Water Summit; 2023 CWP Tribal AC 4th Tribal Water Summit with inaugural Tribal Chapter; and 2028 CWP Tribal AC Recruitment with 2028 Tribal Water Summit planning.

In Update 2013, DWR launched the first California Water Plan Tribal Advisory Committee (Tribal AC) by inviting California Native American Tribes and non-profit organizations serving California Native American Tribes to participate. Through the Tribal AC, California Native American Tribes and Tribal non-profit organizations collaborated with the Public Advisory Committee to develop, review, and comment on California Water Plan Update materials to reflect Tribal perspectives on land, water, and culture.

Tribal collaboration and participation continued to increase in Update 2018 and Update 2023 through Tribal participation in both the Public Advisory Committee and the Tribal Advisory Committee.

Tribal participation culminated in the co-development of the California Tribal Water Summits beginning in 2009. The California Tribal Water Summits were designed to support the highest level of decision-makers, consisting of Tribal leadership and state leadership convening at a quinquennial summit to support the California Water Plan and to discuss Tribal perspectives on water policy and regional and statewide planning through recommendations and strategic actions.

California Water Plan 2028

As part of the development of the California Water Plan 2028 and pursuant to the new mandates of Senate Bill 72 (SB72), California Tribes will be formally represented and provided opportunities to participate and engage with DWR through three committees: CWP Advisory Committee, Tribal Advisory Committee (Tribal AC), and Tribal Water Summit Planning Committee.

DWR held a Tribal Webinar on February 9, 2026, to introduce SB72 and DWR’s approach to the formal launch of the California Water Plan 2028. A formal nomination process was developed in order to select a Tribal representative nominated through Tribal resolutions from a California Tribe.

California Native American Tribes hold sovereign authority and have a deep connection to the natural landscapes, offering knowledge that strengthen ecosystem health and climate resilience. Building partnerships with Tribes is critical in State water management planning. DWR prepared a list of Key California Tribal Policies that is intended to strengthen the California Water Plan Advisory Committee members’ knowledge on State mandates for collaboration and coordination with Tribal governments and Tribal organizations.

Abstract flowing wave shapes in dark teal and muted beige crossing horizontally on a transparent background.

Tribal Water Summit (TWS) Planning Committee

The California Tribal Water Summit (TWS) is held every five years (2009, 2013, 2018, 2023, and 2028) in coordination with quinquennial CWP Updates. The TWS convenes California’s Tribal, state, and federal leaders and members of the legislature. The TWS provides a platform for discussion, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving on water issues and policies affecting California Tribes. The TWS elevates mutual goals and aligns Tribal recommendations and current federal and state policies, such as the Governor’s Water Resilience Portfolio and Water Supply Strategy.

DWR is actively recruiting committee members to plan, organize and facilitate the 2028 TWS. Tribes and Tribal non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate in the planning committee. The 2028 TWS will take place in April 2028 in the Sacramento area.

Tribal Water Summit Proceedings