Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation

What it reported doing in 2024

Cultural Revitalization: In 2024, MOPF supported Muwekma in appointing Tribal member Joey Torres as Culture Bearer to lead efforts in revitalizing and preserving Muwekma Ohlone cultural traditions, including mentoring and guiding tribal members in traditional practices such as song, dance, and regalia-making. Intertribal Cultural Exchange and Ceremonial Travel Joey participated in ceremonial journeys across Indigenous territories, including Shingle Springs, Nisqually, Round Valley, and Bear Ceremony. These exchanges involved singing, prayer, fishing, and cultural sharing with other tribal communities. Intertribal exchange is vital to Muwekma cultural revitalization. It restores relationships disrupted by colonization, reaffirms tribal presence, and ensures that songs, teachings, and ceremonial protocols are carried forward. Joey's participation strengthens kinship ties and offers youth and families direct access to living culture. To support this work, the Foundation offered travel stipends to tribal members traveling for ceremony, land stewardship, and community events. Reimbursement honored the time, energy, and cultural leadership of those involved. Mexica New Year Co-Hosting and Túupentak Construction at Emma Prusch Park The Foundation supported Muwekma in co-hosting the annual Mexica New Year celebration in partnership with local Indigenous organizers. This multi-day event included ceremonial dances, traditional foods, youth programming, and intergenerational teachings. Staff supported logistics, communications, and cultural protocol coordination, ensuring respectful representation and community engagement. The event welcomed an estimated 300-500 community members (Indigenous and non-indigenous), strengthening visibility and solidarity among Indigenous peoples in the region. As part of the celebration, the Foundation supported the construction of a tuupentak (sweat lodge) at Emma Prusch Park. Joey led the design and building process, integrating traditional knowledge and community labor. The tuupentak served as a sacred site for prayer, purification, and cultural grounding during Mexica New Year. Created and Performed Weekly Tribal-Only Cultural Education Programs The Foundation supported three concurrent weekly programs exclusively for Muwekma tribal members, each designed to strengthen cultural identity, language, and historical understanding through intergenerational learning. Chochenyo Language Classes (Wednesdays via Zoom): Led by Bernadette Quiroz, Language Revitalization Chair, this online class welcomes tribal members from age four through Elders. Participants learn Chochenyo vocabulary, pronunciation, and ceremonial phrases, contributing to the restoration of the Tribe's ancestral language. The program fosters connection across generations and supports long-term language reclamation. Muwekma University (Mondays via Zoom): Facilitated by Stanford Professor and MOPF Board Member Mike Wilcox, this weekly class explores Indigenous history in the United States, with a focus on the first Spanish contact with Muwekma Ohlone ancestors. While open to all ages, current attendance includes tribal members ages 12 and up. The program deepens historical understanding and affirms Muwekma presence in broader narratives of resistance, survival, and continuity. Ceremonial Dance Classes (Sundays in San Jose): Led by Culture Bearer Joey Iyolopixtli Torres, this in-person class serves tribal members from age four through their 50s. Participants learn ceremonial songs, dances, and regalia crafting. The class offers embodied cultural practice, strengthens kinship ties, and prepares youth to carry forward ceremonial responsibilities. Together, these programs support cultural revitalization by offering consistent opportunities for tribal members to learn, practice, and reclaim Muwekma lifeways in community. Supported Language Revitalization Chair Bernadette Qurioz to lead efforts in preserving, revitalizing, and promoting the Chochenyo l

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 44.6%; rating input score 45

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -178.2%; rating input score 5; 5th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.52; rating input score 31; 31st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 68; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 120.8% per year; rating input score 100; 98th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 1.8% per year; rating input score 100; 59th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 13.9% per year; rating input score 100; 79th percentile among comparable filings