On August 1, Tom “Little Bear” Nason, respected elder, Chairman of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, teacher, and longtime faculty member at Esalen Institute, passed away.

Little Bear devoted his life to preserving Esselen culture, protecting ancestral lands, and fostering a profound sense of community and belonging for future generations. His generosity, leadership, and lifelong dedication to the people and traditions of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County left an immeasurable impact on all who had the privilege of learning from him.

In a conversation for Esalen Institute’s Back in the Day series, Little Bear reflected on childhood visits to what was then Slate’s Hot Springs and the deep connection his family and the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County shared with this land. Recalling those early visits, he described it as “a sacred place to visit… a place to wash our spirits, to refresh and renew ourselves.”

Near the close of that conversation, he offered these words:

“The spirit of this land is the people and the energy of the place: the space, the trees, the waterfall, the river, the ocean, the dolphin, the fish, the whales. The way the wind blows. We need to preserve and protect it.”

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Little Bear’s family, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, and all whose lives were touched by his wisdom, kindness, and friendship. We are deeply grateful for the life he lived, the teachings he shared, and the enduring legacy he leaves for generations to come.

(Photos by Kate Kondratieva)