gabriel-t.tesam

Gabriel T. TeSam is a member of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, located in Alpine, CA. He was born and raised on the Viejas Reservation, and continues to live there today with his wife of eight years and their two children. Elected in 2015, TeSam is currently serving his first term on Tribal Council as a Councilman.

After graduating early with honors from Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California, TeSam spent some time as a Junior Loan Consultant for RKS. In late 2012, he then began a career in construction working for a general contractor specializing in commercial building tenant improvements. In 2013, he was hired by LJS as a Native American Cultural Monitor, where he would work with archeologists to monitor various construction projects throughout San Diego County to verify any artifacts found during ground breaking stages of development.

There are several key areas that Councilman TeSam is focusing his efforts on during his first term in office: Land/Resource Management, Cultural Revival/Survival, New Business Development and HUD Programs. He also serves as a liaison for the Education Committee, where he is working cooperatively on developing relationships and securing partnerships with NAU and UCSD for Viejas students.