Maija West is the CEO and a Founding Board Member of the Healing and Reconciliation Institute, which weaves together opportunities to take responsibility for historical and ongoing traumas to invoke a shared humanity. On the occasion of Thanksgiving, Esalen’s Christine Chen spoke to West, an trusted educator and facilitator who often speaks on behalf of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, to offer perspectives on the story of Thanksgiving, as well as sharing guidance about learning and allyship with coastal tribal communities in and around Esalen Institute.

Esalen Institute is in a long-term, ongoing educational process in partnership with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey county and its representatives. This interview was conceived and explored with the permission, support, and guidance of Tribal Chairman, Tom “Little Bear” Nason.