MORE INFO IS COMING!
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO RECEIVE UPDATES.
MEET THE ELDERS
KAYLA WENTWORTH
Pachakuti Mesa Ceremonialist
Founder of Sacred Cedars Spiritual Retreat Center
Kayla Wentworth was born in Sinaloa, Northwestern Mexico as Lourdes Carmen Madueno. She is a Pachakuti Mesa Ceremonialist, sacred traditions guide and has over 25 years’ experience as an international health and wellness educator and wholistic coach. She is an ordained minister and founder of Sacred Cedars Spiritual Retreat Center, nestled in the ancient forests of the Olympic Peninsula, in Poulsbo, WA.From a young age, Kayla mentored under indigenous elders with deep initiations into the Feathered Serpent Medicine, Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Shamanism, and Despacho Ceremonial practices. Her extensive experience includes migrations to Mexico, Peru, Bosnia and others. In Bosnia, she supported war-traumatized women through Emotional Healing Technique to diffuse trauma, teaching them job skills to be able to survive in their country. Her pilgrimage to Peru’s Machu Picchu was a pivotal initiation. She learned plant energy medicines from the last Ashual Shaman, Don Ramon, in the Amazon. In Mexico, she embraced her cultural heritage roots through symbolic healing ceremonies. Home in Washington, her vision quest was led by Red Cedar, Cowlitz elder of the coastal tribes. Kayla was given the name of White Dove Healing Woman by Black Elk, as elder in Lakota.Today, through her retreat center and wholistic practice, Kayla’s passion is empowering individuals through healing and transformation. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern techniques, facilitating spiritual growth and wholistic wellness, Kayla nurtures a deep connection with Mother Earth and Her healing journey.
RAHKWEESKEH MILLER
HUNA MA WA RU HA
Cultural Ambassador, Nation-Building Advocate
Elder and Spiritual Leader
Rahkweeskeh Miller, Eel Clan Elder of the Tuscarora Nation, is a distinguished leader dedicated to Indigenous cultural revitalization and human development. Born in 1948 on Tuscarora lands in North Carolina, Rahkwees Keh was raised by his Eel Clan grandmother and later mentored by his Turtle Clan grandmother and the respected elder Mad Bear Anderson.A Vietnam War veteran drafted into the U.S. military in 1967, Rahkwees Keh began his cultural advocacy in 1971, focusing on identity restoration and cultural reclamation. He played a pivotal role in re-establishing the Tuscarora Indian Nation of North Carolina in 1978 and contributed to Akwesasne Notes, a Native and natural peoples news magazine. His advocacy also included participating in the Longest Walk (1978) and the Long Walk for Survival (1980), representing Indigenous rights globally.His accomplishments extend to co-founding the Traditional Native Survival and Cultural Center Inc. in Tennessee and serving on various boards, including the Algonquin Indian School and the Native Cultural and Self-Reliance Center. He has collaborated with the Golden Hill Paugussett Nation, the Wampanoags, Buffalo Robe Medicine Lodge, and Six Nations Elders. Rahkwees Keh’s lifelong commitment to cultural teachings, nation-building, and Indigenous rights continues through his work with RKKM Human Development, reflecting his dedication to the well-being of all peoples and the Earth.
CAROLYN HARTNESS
Educator, Restorative Justice, F.A.S.D.
Washington Statewide Reentry Council Consultant/Trainer
Carolyn Hartness, Eastern Band Cherokee/Norwegian, is a distinguished consultant dedicated to
fostering holistic and spiritually informed wellness. With over 35 years of experience, Carolyn has worked extensively across the U.S., Canada, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand, offering guidance on cultural diversity, wellness, restorative justice, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (F.A.S.D.). Her expertise extends to facilitating Talking/Listening Circles and Restorative Justice Circles, aiming to heal individuals, including veterans and incarcerated individuals, as well as families and communities through transformative dialogue.Carolyn's notable accomplishments include her role in the acclaimed “Journeys on the Red Road” recovery video (2021) and her co-authorship of the award-winning educational series “Journey Through the Healing Circle” with Dr. Robin LaDue. This series, which won several awards and was Emmy-nominated, has been pivotal in educating a global audience about F.A.S.D.Currently, Carolyn consults with the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, conducting Talking/Listening Circles in prisons. Her past work includes a significant tenure as an F.A.S.D. Consultant for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Welcome Home Reentry Program. Beyond her professional life, Carolyn is passionate about engaging with communities through Spirit and Drum Circles, and her commitment to cultural and spiritual healing reflects her deep connection to both her Indigenous heritage and broader humanitarian goals.
NORMAN MCGRAW
HUNA MA RO WA WA
Cultural Steward, Wisdom Keeper
Unity Advocate
Norman McGraw is a dedicated cultural steward and advocate from Crow’s Haven, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. With a lifetime of experience on his ancestral lands, Norman’s early immersion in his native language and culture has profoundly shaped his perspective. Raised by fluent speakers in a family that experienced the impacts of colonization and residential schooling, Norman has navigated and transcended intergenerational trauma to preserve and share his heritage.Over his 52 years, Norman has acquired extensive wisdom through both personal experiences and teachings from ceremonial medicine people. His expertise lies in the preservation and revitalization of Anishinaabek languages, songs, dances, and ceremonies, which he has continued to practice and impart to others.Norman’s notable achievements include his ongoing efforts to maintain and rejuvenate his tribe’s cultural practices amidst the challenges posed by modern influences. His work is a testament to his deep spiritual integrity and commitment to cultural education.Beyond his leading contributions, Norman is deeply passionate about fostering unity and healing. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, often expressing his message with heartfelt affirmations of love and gratitude:“I love you’s. I bless you’s. I thank you’s. I am you’s. And you’s are me. We are brothers and sisters. We are One. Gbezhigomi. NI MA RA NA.”
HWIEMTUN
FRED ROLAND
Cultural Ambassador, Intercultural Teacher
Sweat Lodge Keeper
Hwiemtun (Fred Roland) is a renowned Cultural Ambassador for Cowichan Tribes and an esteemed intercultural teacher and guide. Raised in Khowutzun by a Coast Salish mother and Hawaiian lineage father, Hwiemtun has spent over 20 years immersing himself in the cultural and spiritual traditions of various indigenous tribes around the globe. His extensive travels have taken him to South America, where he engaged with tribes like the Makushi and Shipibo; Eastern Europe, with tribes such as the Kajikhastani; and Asia, connecting with the Humung, TaiMuang, and Ainu. He has also sought wisdom from elder monks in India, Nepal, and Lhasa, Tibet.Hwiemtun’s notable accomplishments include serving as a sweat lodge keeper, guided by Lakota teachings, and his involvement with the Maitreya Project across North America and Asia. His dedication to preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge has led him to build sweat lodges in Germany, Hungary, South America, West Indies, Caribbean, Asia, and throughout Canada, while conducting workshops and ceremonies that promote understanding of diverse traditions.Outside his leadership endeavors, Hwiemtun is deeply passionate about storytelling, music, and traditional crafts, which he uses to bridge cultural divides and nurture transformation. He believes in the interconnectedness of all people, which inspires his work and enhances his ability to foster global partnerships and spiritual connections.
BURNING MASK 2024 TICKETS
At this year's Burning Mask, the theme being discussed is rascim. The word "haole", from the Hawaiian language, will be highlighted.Esteemed Māori elder Huna Flash will be joined by other honored indigenous elders in a public panel to discuss this word, and similar words in their native languages.Utilizing ancient Lemurian knowledge, they will together break down the word "haole" and transmute it into a word that is not harmful. This is done to reverse the distortion of languages, and initiate healing of communications among the nations.THIS IS A NO ALCOHOL/NO PLANT MEDICINE/NO SUBSTANCE EVENT
We are sad to say, that Sacha Stone will not be able to join us for our event.
We send him all of our love and gratitude.
Please bring a small gift to leave at the tree, for one of our in-person ceremonies.
Address for the event:
St James Community Centre, Kitsilano
3214 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V6K 2L2Same venue as the Mass Dragon Rides.
The 3 day pass can be purchased on the 27th, the first day of the event.
REFUNDS: If you get a Burning Mask ticket, and then cannot make the event, a refund can be requested until September 26th @ 9:59am Pacific time. After that time, there are no refunds.
There is no group discount for lodging. You will want to look for lodging near the address above. You can do this via Airbnb, Vrbo, booking.com, etc.
FULL SCHEDULE
DAY 1:10am-1pm Pacific: Opening circle & introduction3pm-5:30pm Pacific: Elders panel - First Dimension6pm-7:30pm Pacific: Dome of Darkness & Sound Journey
DAY 2:10am-1pm Pacific: Tree ceremony & flute concert (At the local beach. Location will be emailed to the attendees. Approximately 30 min walk from the venue.)-- RETURN TO VENUE --2:30pm-5:30pm Pacific: Elders panel - Second Dimension6pm-8pm Pacific: Flashband & Guests LIVE
DAY 3:9am-10am: Pouata at the beach (Same location as day 2).10am-12pm Pacific: Ceremony of the Eternal Flame & Water Weaving-- RETURN TO VENUE --1pm-6pm Pacific: Elders panel - Third Dimension6pm-8pm Pacific: Murray Porter LIVE & Closing Circle
RAFFLE WITH HUNA FLASH
There's no limit to raffle entries! You can adjust the quantity at checkout.Click the photos to select your raffle choices.
1 on 1 session can be in person or online.
Dinner and golf are both in Playa del Carmen Mexico.
Raffle does not cover any travel/accomodation expenses.
LAST DAY TO ENTER IS SEPT 26 @ 11:59PM PACIFIC. Winners will be announced on Sept 27 in the evening. You do not need to be present to win. We will also contact the winners directly afterwards.
BURNING MASK 2024 SPONSORSHIP
If you are interested in sponsoring our event this year, you can do so below.Minimum is $222.
VANCOUVER MASS DRAGON RIDES
We're having not one, but TWO mass dragon rides in Vancouver before Burning Mask.Check the flyers below for details. Max attendance is 144 at each event.Click the flyer to get your ticket for that event.
BURNING MASK LIVE STREAM
We have 1 donation option for the whole weekend, or individual donations by day if you do not want to get all 3. You will have the option to donate more than the minimum, if you choose.DO NOT CLOSE AFTER YOU MAKE THE PAYMENT. The link for the livestream will be on the confirmation page.
Please bookmark this link.
REPLAYS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE LIVE.
SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR THE STREAM SCHEDULE.
STREAM SCHEDULE