Muchia Te Indigenous Land Trust

The Muchia Te Indigenous Land Trust (MTILT) is an Indigenous women-led nonprofit organization, registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Its primary mission is to protect, preserve, and restore indigenous lands, focusing on advancing Indigenous stewardship, sovereignty, and restoration of natural and cultural resources. MTILT operates primarily in the unceded Rammaytush homeland and neighboring Indigenous territories of the San Francisco Peninsula, including areas from Montara to Pescadero[2][3].

Mission and Activities

The organization aims to safeguard and preserve the ancestral lands of indigenous communities, fostering a deep connection between these communities and their ancestral territories. This involves promoting cultural preservation, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. MTILT also engages in educational initiatives to share the stories and accounts of dispossession and attempted genocide faced by Indigenous peoples[2][3].

MTILT's activities include language revitalization through a weekly language study group and a bi-monthly basket circle, focusing on traditional crafts and cultural practices[2]. The trust is also dedicated to establishing a cultural and language center and collaborates with other organizations on restoration and healing programs[3].

Leadership and Governance

The trust is founded by Cata Gomes, a Ramaytush descendant who is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Ramaytush cultural practices. The board includes several members with Indigenous ancestry, including Rena Beltran and Brin Beltran, who contribute to language and cultural revitalization efforts. Beth Craig serves as the treasurer, supporting the organization's financial management and operational activities[4].

Financial Status

As of 2022, the organization reported total revenues of $45,574 and assets of $43,330, with no liabilities recorded[1]. MTILT's financial transparency is maintained through annual tax filings and adherence to non-profit regulations.

Vision and Impact

MTILT's vision is to heal the land and communities through a reciprocal relationship with nature and to ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of Indigenous communities. By protecting and restoring ancestral lands, the trust contributes to preserving cultural heritage and promoting ecological balance in the region[1][2].