Mutsun Language Foundation

The Mutsun Language Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization and preservation of the Mutsun language, an indigenous language of Northern California. The organization holds the EIN (Employer Identification Number) 912165979.

Mission

The mission of the Mutsun Language Foundation is to support the restoration and use of the Mutsun language within its traditional region, primarily among the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. This includes promoting linguistic and cultural heritage through educational programs, language classes, and community outreach.

Background

The Mutsun language, also known as San Juan Bautista Costanoan, was historically spoken by the Ohlone people in the Mission San Juan Bautista area. Despite being declared extinct in 1930 with the death of its last fluent speaker, Ascencion Solórzano de Cervantes, efforts have been ongoing to revive the language. These efforts involve creating comprehensive dictionaries, language classes, and cultural programs to ensure the language's continued relevance.

Activities

• Language Classes: The foundation is involved in organizing bi-monthly language classes at the University of California, Santa Cruz. These classes are designed to accommodate both in-person participants and those unable to attend physically through live streaming.
• Cultural Programs: In addition to language, the foundation supports cultural activities such as the development of educational curricula, workshops on traditional crafts, and hosting events that highlight Mutsun culture.
• Community Engagement: Outreach programs are implemented to educate both tribal members and the public about the importance of preserving the Mutsun language and its cultural significance.

Goals

A key goal of the Mutsun Language Foundation is to achieve widespread fluency in the Mutsun language, aiming for at least a dozen fluent speakers within the tribal community over a short-term period. Long-term objectives include incorporating the Mutsun language into tribal governance and educational systems within the region.

The Mutsun Language Foundation plays a crucial role in the ongoing revitalization efforts by providing financial and logistical support to these initiatives. As such, it acts as a vital component in preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Amah Mutsun people.

[1] https://benitolink.com/nearly-20-years-in-the-making-dictionary-awakens-mutsun-language/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutsun_language [3] https://amahmutsun.org/language [4] https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MutsunDictionary_WarnerButlerGeary.pdf [5] https://amahmutsun.org/foundation