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.

The Big Idea

The Esselen Tribe believes in creating a better future for all. That includes a better future for Indigenous Nations and our community, for women and children, and for the earth that sustains us.

As community-members, we all have an opportunity and responsibility to learn about the rich and enduring relationships between people and the lands and waters of Monterey. The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County are one of the tribal organizations inviting us all to understand and celebrate how tribal communities have, and continue to, care for Monterey. I see the land as so much more alive with history, both beautiful and devastating, and am able to be a better environmentalist and neighbor.

- Erin Myers Madeira