Valentin Lopez is the Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, one of three historic tribes that are recognized as Ohlone. Valentin is Mutsun, Chumash, Awaswas, and Yokuts. The Amah Mutsun are comprised of the documented descendants of Missions San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz. Valentin Lopez is a Native American Advisor to the University of California, Office of the President on issues related to repatriation. He is also a Native American Advisor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology. The Amah Mutsun are currently working to have their federal recognition status restored as they were illegally terminated by the federal government in about 1929. The Amah Mutsun are very active in conservation and protection efforts within their traditional tribal territory. Valentin is working to restore the Mutsun Language and is a traditional Mutsun singer and dancer.