A Journey of Advocacy and Activism
Second Year Summary
2025 - 2026
Black Family Block Party 5th Annual
Mukwa Program Objective:
A nonprofit, non-partisan change group, Indigenous Women led organization working to implement Indigenous Sovereignty worldwide by advocating for the rights of Indigenous communities, uplifting Indigenous values, empowering Indigenous leadership, providing education, and taking action to enhance the well-being, understanding, and equality for all to thrive on Mother Earth.
Mukwa Program Summary:
April 1st 2025 - October 1st 2025
Within our May’s board meeting, the board accepted the resignations of the organization’s leadership team and hired Charlotte Loonsfoot and Ernest “Joey” Oppegaard-Peltier as the Co-Executive Directors. Within their strategic planning conversations over the following month of May, the Co-ED’s chose to close down the Illinois and North Carolina Bear Den programs although fulfilling the remaining funding requirements of the Urgent Action Fund grant that we received for our NC programing.
During the December Quarter 2 board meeting, it was passed by the board to change our fiscal years to December 31st ending and starting January 1st. This motion eliminated fiscal quarter 4 of the organization’s year.
North Carolina
Quarter 1
Mukwa was awarded a sum of $8000.00 by the Urgent Action Fund to support the safety of our Mukwa Matriarch as she stood trial for actions taken in June of 2024.
On June 23, 2024, a gathering of Indigenous individuals took place at the invitation of the Tuscarora Tribe of North Carolina to conduct a prayer ceremony in connection with archaeological discoveries, including human remains. During this ceremony, tensions escalated with members of the local community, including an off-duty police officer. This confrontation resulted in multiple assaults, racial threats, and firearms being brandished against Indigenous women, elders, and others present at the gravesite. In the weeks that followed, rumors and narratives emerged that portrayed the "protestors" as the aggressors, leading to increased harassment of Indigenous people in the area.
In addition to ensuring the safety of the trial and our Mukwa Matriarch, we offered support in areas such as media, court proceedings, rallies, and technical assistance related to the trial, along with assistance towards unexpected expenses related to travel and food. The rest of our budget was allocated to program salaries for individuals who operate behind the scenes to sustain Mukwa's progress. Currently, much of our work is performed on a volunteer basis, and this additional funding helped transition those roles to sustainable wages.
Minnesota
Minnesota Program Manager: Ernest Oppegaard-Peltier
Quarter 1
Mukwa Minnesota Bear Den has been focusing on our advocacy efforts to safeguard wild rice. We played a significant role in launching this year's Rise and Repair Alliance’s campaign aimed at protecting wild rice. Our team and volunteers engage in Alliance events, respond to action calls, and participate in related meetings, legislative updates, and committee hearings. The Mukwa staff supported social media and email campaigns, using our digital resources to create and share media related to the campaign.
Mukwa MN Bear Den is committed to participating in the People Vs Fossil Fuels weekly national call, which takes place on Mondays from 3 PM to 4 PM. Ernest has been involved in and contributing to the national discussions surrounding the movement against fossil fuels. Throughout this quarter, the alliance has provided updates on national issues and discussions regarding Data Centers.
Mukwa MN Bear Den has also joined the NoDAPL Grassroots’ NGO Call, a weekly discussion focused on resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Ernest has been attending and actively participating in these weekly calls.
Quarter 2
Mukwa Minnesota Bear Den has kept up their organizing work to support wild rice. They have been going to the weekly Rise and Repair Wild Rice meetings and also connecting offline with the Rise Facilitators.
Additionally, Mukwa Bear Den is collaborating with the Rise and Repair facilitators from Climate Justice Commons to enhance the structure and strategy of the alliance. This is happening during the weekly Big Group Rise and Repair call, along with offline follow-ups with the Rise Facilitators.
Mukwa MN Bear Den is dedicated to joining the People Vs Fossil Fuels weekly national call, held every Monday from 3 PM to 4 PM. Ernest has actively participated in and contributed to the national conversations about the fight against fossil fuels. During this quarter, the alliance has shared updates on national matters and continued discussions on data centers. These presentations have included topics on Data Center impacts, Union and General Strike, an info session on the SLAP case, and initiatives for Immigration solidarity.
In August, Chairwoman Gina and Co-ED Ernest were invited to showcase Mukwa to the Zero Waste Alliance, which promotes a waste-free future for Minnesota! This led to Mukwa joining the Alliance's monthly calls, and both of them were asked to speak at the Zero Waste Fest in October 2025. Gina and Ernest both attend and take part in the monthly calls.
Mukwa MN Bear Den has also joined the NoDAPL Grassroots’ NGO Call, a weekly discussion focused on resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Ernest has been attending and actively participating in these weekly calls.
Quarter 3
In October both Gina and Joey spoke and tabled at the Zero Waste Fest with a great turn out and videos that got shared on our website and newsletters. Joey continued with the several coalition weekly meetings as the various organizations prepare for the end of year and next year’s programming needs.
The MN Bear Den participated in two coalition trainings in November, one around Knowing Your Rights with COPAL and a Training of Trainers with NDN Collective. Minor expenses for travel and food were allotted out. Mukwa admin decided to not promote these actions within our social media and website. Furthermore the Bear Den Programs develop and purchase stickers for a sticker fund raiser.
December MN Bear Den continued with regular weekly coalition meetings as we prepared to do end of year wrap up of programing, books and organizational needs.
The Peltier Kids meeting Leonard for the first time!
Gina and Joey Peltier attended the Free Leonard Peltier Documentary.
Saturday, Nov. 8 2025
Minneapolis American Indian Center
Michigan
Michigan Program Manager, Charlotte Loonsfoot
Quarter 1
In April, we attended a Water is Life celebration in Marquette, MI, where we connected with people from downstate who are working against the Flint water crisis. We also met Supaman and asked him if he would help with a benefit concert, and he agreed.
In May, we met with the anti-mining advocate from the Yellowdog Watershed to talk about the Eagle Mine and Talon Metals. We are now sharing information and staying connected. We traveled to Watersmeet, MI, to speak at their forum and take part in a round table discussion about the next steps in fighting the Copperwood Mine in Wakefield and Bessemer, MI.
In June, we attended ceremonies in Wisconsin and shared our story about protecting the water and the impact of mining with many individuals, who are now excited about future actions.
Quarter 2
In July, we traveled to Lansing, the capital of Michigan, alongside the Protect the Porkies Organization and Citizens for a Safe & Clean Water Organization. Our goal was to talk to the Michigan House and Senate about opposing the $50 million grant for the Copperwood Mining Company, which was intended for building roads and utilities in a remote area for a mine.
In August, we headed to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to assist with the Blake Block Party and represent Mukwa.
In September, we participated in a local business meeting with representatives from Copperwood Mine at the Wakefield VFW. This was an invite-only event, and no community members were allowed inside. We stood outside during the hour-long meeting, distributing flyers and information about the risks posed by this mine being so close to Lake Superior.
Quarter 3
In October, we went to Marquette for a Protect the Porkies Celebration at the Ore Dock because the Senate had removed the grant for the Copperwood Mine from the Bill. We also connected with someone who is actively fighting against Line 5 in Wisconsin.
Momma Bears
Quarter 1
Mukwa got a microgrant that was used to help two families in Bemidji look for their missing family members. It also covered the costs for our staff member, Kimberly, to begin outlining the program and take part in local events.
Quarter 2
Mukwa is currently working on the programming infrastructure and policies for this program, with a full launch expected in early 2026.
Quarter 3
Mukwa created a Paypal online donation form specifically for this program and has released social media graphics around this program. Furthermore, the Mukwa Program Staff Kim has been in contact with MMIW218 to see where we can help each other in local organizing.
Roots Mutual Aid
Quarter 1
For Mukwa’s second year, we have attended and participated within the planning for the Blake Family Block Party weekly meetings, helping organize and plan this year’s event.
Quarter 2
Mukwa took part in and helped out at the Blake Family Block Party 2025 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We used our digital infrastructure for the event's social media and printed graphics, and we also shared the media created on our social platforms. Additionally, the Board Chairwoman reached verbal agreements to provide a way for the facilitators to fundraise throughout the year. A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed.
Quarter 3
Mukwa took part in a Chicago Kwaniza Food Drive for the Elderly.
Mukwa Program Budget:
Mukwa Budget Forecast for 2025 to 2026 is $141,037.20 and was completed September 2025, accounting for what we have pulled in to that date. The budget was drafted with grant writing in mind on what the Minnesota and Michigan programing primary organizing needs being met. We do understand that these goals are unattainable with our current capabilities and grant market accessibility.
Mukwa Program Books:
As of December 31st, 2025, Mukwa has raised a total of $11,237.15 since March 31st 2025. Mukwa rolled over $4,933.68 from last year’s funding. Furthermore, Mukwa's expenses have amounted to -$12,341.37, covering programming, overhead costs, and contractor wages. Mukwa rolled over $3,797.33 to the 2026 books.
Grants:
Mukwa received two grants and four donations from other organizations from April 1st - December 31st totaling $10,500.00
5/12 MMIW Grant $1,000.00
6/16 The Pachamama Alliance $150.00
9/4 Story of Stuff $3000.00
11/24 Climate Justice Commons $1,250.00
12/16 Zero Waste Alliance $100.00
12/19 Blandin Foundation $5,000.00
Chi-Miigwetch to all of our donors throughout 2025-2026!
Grassroots donations:
Mukwa raised $737.15 from 21 individual donors.
Barba R: $103.48
Amy B: $155.97
Karthryn E: $5
Elaine R: $20.00
Alicia F: $5.00
Rebecca D: $5.00
Val F: $10.00
Kristi L: $50.00
Evan M: $36.55
Josh J: $21.10
Melina D: $21.10
Julia N: $30.00
Kent F: $50.00
Abbigail F: $5.65
Kai R: $10.00
Josephine I: $50.00
Katie M: $21.10
Kevin C: $21.10
Genevieve R: $10.00
Emma S: $25.00
Susan H: $50.00
Fiscal Sponsor Fee:
Stated in our MOU Mukwa is responsible to pay in for grants, contributions or donations at a rate of 7%.
Verbal agreement with Fiscal Sponsor managers that fee is to be waived.
Review of books
Quarter 1, April - June 2025.
Rollover: $4,454.45
Incoming: $1,357.46
Expenses: $5,547.47
Rollover to next Quarter: $731.38
Program: $1,840.88
NC $980
MI $70
MN $254.88
Momma Bears $500
Staffing: $3,290
Between six staff
Overhead: $57.85
Zoom and printer paper.
Marketing: $344.74
Other; Staff continue learning: $50
Quarter 2, July - September 2025
Rollover from previous Quarter: $731.38
Incoming: $3,096.99
Expenses: $2,822.58
Rollover to next Quarter: $1003.80
Program: $2,293.41
MI $0
MN $2,193.41
Momma Bears $0
Roots Mutual Aid $100.00
Staffing: $$2348.80
Between two staff
Overhead: $469.17
Bemidji Consulting Training
Zoom and printer paper.
Marketing: $50.00
Stickers
Quarter 3, October - December 2025,
Rollover from previous Quarter: $1003.80
Incoming: $6,782.70
Expenses: $3,971.32
Rollover to next Quarter: $2,885.35
Program: $544.80
MI $0
MN $384.55
Momma Bears $0
Roots Mutual Aid $48.46
Stickers $111.79
Staffing: $2900
Between two staff
Overhead: $526.52
Contractor Wages:
Total: $14,452.80
Between 6 staff.
