To preserve and to protect our cultural heritage and ancestral sacred sites, namely of the Esselen, Rumsen, Chalone, Sureño 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.
The Esselen Tribe is dedicated to the stewardship and revitalization of our cultural heritage and natural resources. We are proud to announce significant achievements in ancestral land return and resource protection. Recently, we forged co-management agreements with California State Parks, Big Sur Land Trust, and The Wildlands Conservancy, allowing us to conserve vital ecological areas and engage in youth and public educational programming. We have been able to conserve Tularcitos Creek, 1,720 acres of the former Rana Creek Ranch in Carmel Valley, which holds deep cultural significance, and a site threatened by development. Additionally, we've safeguarded 387 acres near Camp Pico Blanco. Our Cultural Resource Department is actively protecting sacred sites and has launched an archaeological field school to empower tribal citizens and aspiring archaeologists. Our ongoing collaboration with local schools underscores our commitment to fostering educational opportunities for youth.
Tribes have an active role in the protection of natural and cultural resources, working with government and local agencies to protect and restore resources within Monterey County. Tribes have a voice that is heard on protecting the natural resources of our beautiful coastline and mountains, and will continue to be a voice for those that cannot speak, such as the steelhead, redwoods, Oak trees, and watersheds within Monterey County.
Our community outreach is primarily in Monterey County, although we have enrolled tribal members from all of the Country. We share with youth groups, Colleges and Universities, visitors to State Parks, and the local community through events and gatherings. We share about our culture and history, Esselen traditional ways, ecological knowledge and stewardship.
Being welcomed into the Esselen Tribe has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Witnessing their dedication to reclaiming and stewarding their ancestral lands is both inspiring and humbling. Their work represents not just historical justice, but a pathway towards healing our relationship with the earth. I am grateful every day to walk alongside the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County in their vital work of land restoration, cultural revitalization, and building a sustainable future for our children. Heidi Park, CFO/Treasurer, Board Member
- Heidi Park, Carmel Valley
