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.
DONATE
You can donate via check or credit card
Please make checks payable to:
Esselen Tribe of Monterey County
Post Office Box 95
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
OR
Help Us Protect and Preserve Our Ancestral Lands
The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County is at a crucial juncture, brimming with both opportunity and responsibility. With the steadfast support of our partners, and community members, we have made significant strides in safeguarding our sacred sites promoting cultural revitalization, and restoring ancestral lands.
However, our mission is far from complete, and to build on our momentum we have pinpointed three key milestones essential to our mission. These goals are not merely projects; they are vital steps toward reclaiming our heritage, safeguarding treasures, and creating spaces for future generations to flourish.
Your contribution will help us continue our mission to preserve and protect the sacred lands, sites, and cultural traditions of the historic tribes in this area.
Additionally, your support will enable us to grow our educational outreach and cultural heritage preservation programs, teaching the community and local youth about the rich history and significance of the American Tribes of Monterey County.
To make a one time or recurring credit card contribution:
Reclaiming the Tularcitos Creek Parcels
At the top of our priorities is re-acquiring the Tularcitos Creek Parcels of the Historic Rana Creek Ranch. This breathtaking area, rich with Esselen cultural sites, oak woodlands, and ecologically sensitive riparian zones, is at risk of being divided into luxury developments if we cannot secure it soon.
This land is more than geography to us—it’s a sacred connection to our ancestors and a foundation for our future. By reclaiming it, we can restore its watershed, protect its biodiversity, and create spaces for ceremony, education, and sustainable housing for Esselen citizens.
Expanding Education and Cultural Preservation
We launched our first archaeological field school in collaboration with Cabrillo College, training Tribal citizens and future archaeologists in cultural resource management. But this is just the beginning.
Our vision for 2025/2026 includes growing these programs to reach more tribal citizens, students, educators, and community members. We’re working to create demonstration native gardens, a plant nursery, and educational spaces to bring our history and traditions to life for local K-16 students and the broader public. These initiatives are essential for ensuring our stories and heritage are passed down to future generations.
Building Resilience and Restoration
In July 2024, we began a 42-month “Wildfire Resilience, Forest Health, Indigenous Food Sovereignty, and Cultural Resource Revitalization Project” on our 1,199-acre Eagle Peak Rancheria. This project, funded in part by Cal Fire, is helping us address the growing threats of wildfires, erosion, and habitat loss.
While larger funding supports equipment and supplies, we are responsible for growing our team and capacity to carry out this critical work. Every contribution helps us build resilience—not just for our lands, but for our people, culture, and future.