Read the full newsletter as it was emailed
Horše Ṭuuxi
Fall has arrived! With the recent rains, we’re definitely feeling the season at MOPF. Thank you to everyone who reached out about our catch-up newsletter! We were delighted to hear that it was so well received.
As promised, we’d like to share an update on what we’ve been working on, along with more photos highlighting the incredible work of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation. We are deeply grateful for the monthly and one-time donations that continue to come in, and for everyone supporting our growth. We have so much ahead of us, and none of it would be possible without your generosity and support.
Community Education Highlights
The MOPF Community Education Committee is in its busiest season of the year! We continue to work thoughtfully and meaningfully with our many community partners, adapting to requests for school presentations, land acknowledgements, book readings, and more. And don't forget, we offer tabling events, too! We have been collaborating with Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Member Johnny Dominguez to refresh our educational materials for tabling events, and we can't wait to have the new handouts printed and ready for our next outreach opportunity. Co-Chairs Julie and Corina have also been hard at work developing new slide decks tailored to various age groups, while incorporating more engaging language content through collaboration with Language Revitalization Chair Bernadette Quiroz.
We also have many upcoming events we'd love for you to join! These public community gatherings offer opportunities to connect with Muwekma Ohlone Tribal members and learn more about our work. Most events are free, some require registration, and everyone is welcome.
Julie Dominguez, Corina Arellano and Jill Morales
NUMU Los Gatos School Tours are currently being booked! Don’t forget to check out their website and snag a date for your school. Remember, the Trail of Truth Exhibit is coming down at the end of November so if you are hoping to see both Muwekma inspired exhibits, book before then. We also want to remind everyone of Community Day coming up on November 7th. This is for the entire family and we already anticipate a great turn out. Be sure to use their RSVP link so they are well prepared for how many people plan to attend.
Hillbrook and Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship
November 6 – If you haven't yet attended one of the Conversations for Good events, this is one to add to your calendar. Tickets are on sale now! Join community leaders at the San José City Hall Rotunda for a conversation about building a regenerative future. Community Education Chair Julie Dominguez will open the event with a blessing and remarks on behalf of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, and MOPF Board Member Tad Fukami will participate in the panel discussion.
Sunnyvale Library Nov. 2nd - Join the Community Education Committee in the second annual Sunnyvale Library presentation of Muwekma Culture and Heritage, a book reading and hands-on craft. Be sure to secure your spot by registering here.
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Nov. 2nd - Join us at the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting as the County proclaims November as Native American Heritage Month. This special presentation recognizes the enduring history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples in our region. Muwekma Ohlone Tribal members will be in attendance for the proclamation ceremony, and community members are welcome to join in support. The meeting begins at 4:00 p.m., with arrival time around 5:45 p.m. recommended for those attending the presentation. We hope to see you there as we kick off Native American Heritage Month together!
Palo Alto City Library Nov. 21st - Join the Community Education Committee in another community event! The community is invited to participate in learning Chochenyo and a special Storytime. See the flyer below. Registration is required!
Cultural Revitalization Highlights
In August, MOPF supported the 3rd annual Muwekma Youth Campout at ‘Ootchamin ‘Ooyakma, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, in partnership with the incredible Jasper Ridge staff. This year, we had more than 90 sign-ups and welcomed over 60 participants. With support from California Coastal Commission Whale Tail Grant funds, we were able to expand access and accommodate more Muwekma members than in previous years.
As the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe continues working to revive its coastal ways, growing interest is centered around the waters and the two-eyed seeing approach, which blends traditional ecological knowledge with science. Muwekma Ohlone families were invited to spend a full weekend participating in activities grounded in culture, strengthening their sense of belonging and connection to place. Activities included coastal visits, tide-pooling, hiking, beading, storytelling, Tribal history presented by Ethnohistorian Alan Leventhal, basket weaving led by Mary Cruz (North Fork Mono Tribe), Bear Ceremony, and reptile and amphibian exploration.
A special thank you to Reef Check for joining us, discussing their important work, and sharing sea urchins removed during their work that Saturday. Get ready for a huge photo download from this incredible event!
In October, the Tribe partnered with Santa Clara University for ceremony and the Indigenous People’s Day Symposium. The community gathered on campus at dawn for powerful remarks and a blessing from Muwekma Ohlone Culture Bearer Joey Torres, followed by a ceremonial dance by the California Feather Dancers. SCU provided a beautiful lunch during a tabling session featuring community partners and an informational table highlighting the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.
The day concluded with a thoughtful panel discussion opened by Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, who also offered closing reflections on the event and its themes. The panel featured respected Indigenous leaders from California, including Richard “Razzle Dazzle” Ragudo (Ione Band of Miwok Indians), Troy Hatch (Ione Band of Miwok Indians), Joey Iyolopistli Torres (Muwekma Ohlone Tribe), Bernadette Quiroz (Muwekma Ohlone Tribe), and Yei Tochtli Mitlalpilli (Calpulli Tonalehqueh).
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Board Updates
MOPF hosted its first official Board Retreat! Thanks to Organizational Wellness funding from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, our team came together for a meaningful gathering at the beautiful Blue Oak Ranch Reserve on Mt. Hamilton. We spent the day engaging in strategic planning for the next five years of the organization, sharing meals, participating in a basket weaving session, and enjoying a wonderful guided hike led by the Reserve’s Resident Director Zack Harlow. It was a valuable opportunity to connect, reflect, and build a strong foundation for MOPF's future. We also want to send a special thanks to Cristina Murillo Barrick from the University of California Cooperative Extension for guiding us in selecting such a beautiful place to have our retreat.
Chochenyo Language Class Updates
Bernadette Quiroz has brought the Chochenyo Language Class to San José State University! The first class saw an incredible turnout, reflecting the growing interest in language revitalization and cultural learning. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special thank you to Katelynn Torres for her continued leadership of the Muwekma Youth Chochenyo Language Class.
Tribal News
The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe has acquired 150 acres in East San Jose.
You may remember this exciting news from our last update! In October, Muwekma Ohlone Tribal members returned to the land for a community cleanup event. Tribal members know how important this land is and are committed to stewarding it by listening to and caring for its needs. The Tribe is preparing to welcome their horse relatives to the property, where equine therapy and the Sacred Horses Program will continue. These monthly gatherings will provide opportunities for Muwekma youth and their families to connect with the land, culture, and one another.
As always, we want to thank everyone who contributed to this newsletter. Tiffany Williams, Marina Lucciani, Tad Fukami, and Jill Morales have been out in the community, building connections and capturing these meaningful moments. We are also grateful to our supporters for standing with us. Thank you for thinking of us, including us in your events, and keeping the Muwekma community in your thoughts and hearts.