Xaalh and the Way of the Masks: Honoring Ourselves, the Lands, Waters, and Forests 2025

September 6 – 20

The Way of the Masks is a Native-led journey of ceremony and resistance to protect ancient forests, salmon habitat, and tribal sovereignty. From September 7 to 20, Indigenous leaders from Se’Si’Le and the Lummi Nation’s House of Tears Carvers will travel over 1,600 miles across the Northwest, bringing carved cedar masks that honor the sacred balance of life, called xaalh. This journey will feature nine stops; open to the public in Bellingham, Olympia, Portland, Eugene, Klamath River, Lapwai, Lower Elwha, and Seattle, from September 6-20.

This year’s campaign centers on defending the Roadless Rule, one of the strongest protections for our remaining wild forests. That protection is now under threat from Trump-era rollbacks. Events along the route will bring together Tribal Nations, local communities, faith leaders, and environmental advocates in powerful acts of solidarity and ceremony.

The Sierra Club is proud to help organize this journey alongside Se’Si’Le and partners including Save Our wild Salmon, Washington Conservation Action, and others. Together, we’re calling for the protection of these sacred ecosystems.

We invite you to show up, spread the word, and stand with us in defense of forests, rivers, and justice.

Check out Se’Si’Le for more information about the entire journey!

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