Revitalizing Ohlone Heritage

The Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation, in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, administers dynamic cultural programs that breathe life into ancestral traditions. Rooted in resilience and reciprocity with the land, these initiatives foster the revival of Chochenyo language, songs, dances, and crafts. By honoring 'innu heeme (culture), noonokma (languages), and yišša (dancing), we empower tribal members—especially youth—to reclaim sovereignty and share Ohlone stories with broader communities. Led by dedicated culture bearers like Joseph "Joey" Iyolopixtli Torres, our programs bridge past and present, combating colonial erasure through education, ceremonies, and collaborative events.

Dance and Regalia

At the heart of Muwekma culture lies yišša—traditional dance that embodies spiritual connection and communal joy. Under Director Joseph Torres, a descendant of Mission San Jose families, our Muwékma Wolwóolum Šawwenikma ’ayye Yiššakma (Muwekma Ohlone Singers and Dancers) perform revitalized California Native dances at powwows, heritage celebrations, and public gatherings. Youth mentorship in regalia-making—using abalone shells, feathers, and beads—ensures these living arts endure. Recent highlights include performances at Stanford Powwow and Santa Clara University's events, where dancers honor ancestors while inviting allies to witness Ohlone vitality.

Basket Weaving and Traditional Crafts

Basket weaving, a sacred practice symbolizing patience and harmony with nature, is central to our craft programs. Tribal artisans lead workshops using native materials like willow and sedge to create functional heirlooms that encode stories of the land. These sessions, often held at repatriated sites like 'Ootchamin 'Ooyakma (Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve), integrate ecological knowledge, teaching sustainable harvesting techniques. Participants, from elders to young learners, forge bonds through hands-on creation, preserving techniques lost to mission-era disruptions.

Language Revitalization

Guided by Director Bernadette Quiroz, our language programs resurrect the endangered Chochenyo tongue through immersive tools: 15+ online resources, elder-youth dialogues, and community classes. From trail markers at Coyote Hills translated into Chochenyo to daily conversational practice, we weave words back into ceremonies and songs. Quiroz's passion shines in moments like hearing children greet in their native language, fueling decolonization and cultural continuity for over 600 members.

Community Education and Events

Co-Chairs Julie Dominguez and Jill Amanno spearhead outreach, bringing Ohlone history to schools, libraries, and museums via toolkits, exhibitions, and symposia. Highlights include the Reclamation Exhibitions at NUMU (New Museum Los Gatos), featuring tribal photography and interactive mapping, and annual youth campouts blending botany, beading, and song. Events like Native American Heritage Month flag raisings and MMIW vigils amplify advocacy, while postcard campaigns rally support for federal recognition. These gatherings—powwows, film festivals, and earth-honoring ceremonies—build alliances, educate on indigenous resilience, and celebrate shared stewardship.

Join the Reawakening

Our cultural programs invite participation: attend a dance workshop, volunteer at an exhibition, or support through donations. Together, we awaken Muwekma spirit on ancestral homelands. Contact us at info@muwekmafoundation.org to engage.