Esselen Tribe Buys Back Ancestral Lands After 250 Years

• Thomas Nelson
• September 21, 2023
• News
• 0 Comments

Before European colonists settled in North America, an indigenous population of 60 million people already lived on the continent. In 1492, the year Columbus “discovered” North America by accident, there were 562 Native American tribes. There were some big ones you’ve probably heard of: Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux – but one lesser-known tribe, the Esselen tribe, had its lands taken by Spanish colonists 250 years ago.

Esselen Tribe History

The history of the Esselen Tribe is a tale of resilience and survival in the face of significant challenges. For over 6,000 years, they thrived in the rugged landscapes of the Santa Lucia Mountains and along the breathtaking Big Sur coast. Despite being the smallest tribe in California, their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples in the region.

The Esselen’s first recorded contact with Europeans occurred in 1602 when the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizaino sailed into Monterey. This encounter marked the beginning of a series of interactions that would shape the tribe’s future. However, it wasn’t until 150 years later, in the mid-18th century, that the Esselen’s fate took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary.

Serra’s mission was ostensibly religious in nature, as he aimed to convert the Esselen to Catholicism. However, beneath the surface, it was a land grab by European colonizers who sought to expand their territory in the New World. The missionaries justified their actions by claiming they were saving the souls of the Esselen people, but the consequences for the tribe were devastating.

Efforts to convert the Esselen involved the suppression of their cultural heritage. The missionaries forbade them from speaking Hokan, their native language, and practicing their traditional customs and beliefs. In some heartbreaking instances, families were forcibly separated, further eroding the fabric of Esselen society.

Despite these hardships, the Esselen people displayed remarkable resilience. Some managed to preserve their language, culture, and spiritual practices, ensuring that their rich heritage would not be entirely lost to history. Their ability to adapt and endure in the face of adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Today, efforts are underway to honor and revive the Esselen culture, language, and traditions, acknowledging the enduring legacy of this remarkable tribe. The history of the Esselen Tribe serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of cultural exchange and the enduring strength of indigenous communities in the face of challenges.

Land bought back after 250 years

250 years after their first contact with Spanish explorers, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County closed on a $4.5 million deal with Western Rivers Conservancy to buy back almost 1,200 acres in Big Sur.

“It is with great honor that our tribe has been called by our Ancestors to become stewards of these sacred indigenous lands once again,” said Tom Little Bear Nason, Tribal Chairman of the ETMC, in a statement.

“These lands are home to many ancient villages of our people, and directly across the Little Sur River sits Pico Blanco or ‘Pitchi’, which is the most sacred spot on the coast for the Esselen People and the center of our origin story.”

The land was originally purchased by the WRC for conservation purposes in 2015. The land is home to old-growth redwoods that are vital for the preservation of that species. Conservation efforts will continue even though ownership of the land has changed.

“We are going to conserve it and pass it on to our children and grandchildren and beyond,” Nason said in an interview with The Mercury News. “Getting this land back gives privacy to do our ceremonies. It gives us space and the ability to continue our culture without further interruption.”

How you can help

In the immediate term, the Esselen Tribe intends to rebuild a village that other tribes are welcome to utilize. They also hope to host educational events to better educate the public about the Esselen tribe’s culture and history. Even if you don’t live in California, there are ways you can help.

Making a donation to the Esselen Tribe will help them continue to preserve and protect the sacred lands and archaeological sites they’ve just bought back. Your donations will also help preserve the cultural traditions of the tribes in the region.