Tom "Little Bear" Nason
Tom Little Bear is a 7th generation documented decedent of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County. Little Bear was chosen at the age of 8 to be the carrier of his ancestors prophecy of the coming together of the four root races (Red, Yellow, Black and White) here at the "Western Gate"--Big Sur and the Ventana Wilderness. Since his childhood, Little Bear has worked extensively on the task laid out before him. He has been bringing spiritual leaders from many religions and races together for ceremonies, retreats , conferences, seminars, and lectures throughout the Americas. Little Bear is also a wilderness guide, wrangler, storyteller, singer, drummer. and flutist.
Grandpa Fred "Mujai" Nason
Grandpa, as everyone knows him, is a legend in his own time. Having lived for over 70 years in the Ventana Wilderness as a traditional Esselen Indian, his knowledge and love of this land runs as deep as the cracks in the earth. Grandpa started guiding people into the Ventana Wilderness as a young boy, with his father, who started the Ventana Wilderness Expeditions as early as 1910. Grandpa Fred is full of life and brimming with stories of the old days, and joins us on many of our programs.
Grandmother Ann
Grandmother Ann is a descendent of the Lambert family who in the 1880s homesteaded several thousand acres of beautiful lands in the area of Jamesburg located near the Ventana Wilderness Ranch. She is the wife of Grandfather Fred and the mother of Little Bear. Ann has been traveling on horseback into the Ventana Wilderness since she could walk. Ann joins us on the expeditions and is highly knowledgeable of the history and plant and animal life of the area.
Charlie Storm Owl
Charlie Storm Owl has gathered many of the tool making, hunting and fishing techniques of the native peoples. His favorite interest is recreating old style dwellings of Native Americans. His greatest feat to date is a 40-foot diameter Native California Round House or Dance House located at Pach-hepas Ceremonial Grounds. Most of his life he has spent quietly unnoticed--shy and reluctant to share his skills, stories, and sacred knowledge with others. The encouragement of many has persuaded Charlie to come forth to share his wisdom and learning.
David Schiffman "Spirit Dancer"
A native of Big Sur for the past 30 years, David has been on the faculty at Esalen Institute for 28 years, where he has taught a wide variety of seminars in the themes of self-acceptance, integrity, risk-taking and group process. In addition to his human potential work he has an avid interest applying the principles of self-discovery to wilderness survival skills, horsemanship, music and dance.
Hummux
Hummux is many things--a Ph.D. in quantum physics, a systems engineer, and a doctor of the mind who has worked with the Esselen to help in the extensive research conducted during the past decade. He has worked extensively with Little Bear to help with the prophecy and life history of the Esselen.
Chef Bolo
Bolo is a Santa Cruz chef and former owner of Darhma's Restaurant. He is now the cook at Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville. Bolo has a unique style of cooking, blending Thai, Eastern, Mediterranean, and California cuisine. With his guitar and drums, Bolo is also a big part of the entertainment on our journeys.
Michael "Nimi-Matiyak" Ignacio
Michael is a native of the island of Kauai, Hawaii. He is one of the main wranglers for our wilderness trips. His gift to the trips is his love of the mountains, horses, and people. He is also a musician, playing drums and Native American flute.
Bryce Colter Nason
Bryce is the son of Little Bear and Cara. He is a master horseman, wrangler, and packer. Bryce has been going on our wilderness trips since he could ride a horse. He works as an apprentice to his Grandfather Fred Nason.
Polomo Brennan
Polomo has hiked and climbed in Yosemite and the west since 1954. His knowledge of Miwok culture comes from experience and from Elders, Park Rangers, and personal study. He is the Esselen Tribal engineer.
Cara Nason
Cara is Little Bear's wife and Laurel and Bryce's mother. She is the ranch's office and reservation manager. She also is an excellent wilderness chef and guide who joins us on some of the expeditions.
Holly "Kakalu" Keiffer
Holly is one of our main wilderness trip leaders who has been with WTTW for the last four years. She has extensive knowledge of wilderness lore and she is also a excellent chef.
Shelly "Ipimi" Brown, MD
Ipimi is a physician on the Monterey Peninsula. She has branched out from her general surgery practice to embrace and explore ancient healing methods, particularly in Tibetan medicine. She is a labyrinth facilitator and uses this spiritual tool as a healing method. Ipimi is on the Board of Directors of Window To The West, and currently serves as Secretary.
Mary "Ta-Ashi" Franz
Mary is a member of the West Wolf Medicine Society. She has been on our staff for the last four years. She is a M.F.C.C. and focuses on women's and adolescents issues and programs. Mary is a co-leader of the Apprenticeship to the Earth programs.
David Wilson
David is one of our newest members, and will be co-leading our Summer Youth programs. David's goals are to teach children and adults of all ages the connection we have to our environment through experiential education and careful mentoring. David works in San Luis Obispo County offering various programs to the community in outdoor adventure and nature awareness. He has developed a Natural Science summer day camp that leads students through a progression from awareness of nature to appreciation and respect for the inhabitants of our environment, and ultimately being stewards of the land.