OUR MISSION
The Mission of the ETMC is to preserve and to protect our cultural heritage and ancestral sacred sites, namely of the Esselen, Rumsen, Chalone, Sureño, Chunchunes and Guatcharrone people, which includes but is not limited to the villages of Achasta, Chalon, Echilat, Ensen, Excelen, Esslenajan, Ixchenta, Jojopan, Kuchun, Pachepas, Sargenta-Ruc, Soccoronda, & Tucutnut, located within sacred pre-historic and historic tribal lands of Monterey County, California.
PRESERVING OUR PAST, PROTECTING OUR FUTURE
Join the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County in restoring sacred lands, safeguarding cultural heritage, and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
It is with deeply grounded hearts, reverence, and love that I share the passing of our beloved Elder and Tribal Chairman, Tom Little Bear Nason. On the quiet evening of Saturday, August 1st, 2026, his spirit peacefully departed this physical realm, answering the gentle call to journey to the Spirit World.
He took his final breath wrapped safely in the loving arms of his devoted wife, resting directly upon the sacred, ancestral land that nourished his roots and shaped his life.
Little Bear was a beacon of wisdom, strength, and dignity. He carried the ways of our people with grace, serving as a pillar for our family and community. While our hearts feel the weight of his physical absence, we draw immense comfort knowing that his spirit is now at peace, welcomed home by the warm embrace of the Ancestors who walked before him.
Immey tahaiya Taarutay.
Immey tahaiya Matsa Atsia.
Immey tahaiya masanax Pussut Orresh.
"All honor/praise Creator.
All honor/praise Mother Earth.
All honor and praise Little Bear's Soul."
We are deeply grateful for the time we had with our honorable Chairman, he guided our vision, and made so much possible for our people and our lands. He will be deeply mourned and missed.
Help Us Reclaim and Restore Ancestral Lands
Join us in this new year of 2026 as we continue our mission as we are reclaiming our land like the Tularcitos Creek Parcels of the Historic Rana Creek Ranch—a breathtaking and ecologically critical area full of cultural sites, majestic oak woodlands, and sensitive riparian zones.
Without your support, this sacred land risks being divided into luxury estates and vineyards. Together, we can restore these lands for ceremonies, ecological preservation, and education for the broader community.
Bringing the Past to Life for Future Generations
Our commitment to preserving the heritage of the Esselen Tribe goes beyond stewardship of the land—it’s about sharing our rich history and traditions with the community.
Through our growing education program, we collaborate with local schools, cultural institutions, and community groups to provide hands-on learning experiences that deepen understanding of the Esselen people’s past and present. From archaeological field schools to immersive cultural workshops, we aim to inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect Monterey County’s unique heritage.