Xaalh and the Way of the Masks Tour - September 8 Olympia, WA

The second stop on the Xaalh tour took place on the steps of the Washington State capitol, Olympia. Approximately 120 people gathered to protest the repeal of the Roadless Rule* rally and bless the totem.

Totem Blessing, Olympia WA - SOS

Organizers, including Sierra Club strategist Lia Brewster, encouraged attendees to submit public comments opposing the rollback of the Roadless Rule. Jewell James, Lummi Master carver, gifted one his cedar masks to Augusta Martin of the Skokomish tribe for her legacy work to save the forests.

The campaign continues, forging ahead with stops in cities like Portland, Seattle, and Port Angeles—carrying the totem and masks toward a final hand-off to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. 

Augusta Martin of Skokomish Tribe with Mask gifted her by Jewell James for her work to save legacy forests

Lummi Nation Master Carver Jewell James speaking to residents of Olympia on the steps of the Capitol- SOSLummi Nation Master Carver Jewell James speaking to residents of Olympia on the steps of the Capitol- SOS

 
In the Media: 
• Backlash mounts over proposed repeal of protections for 2M acres of forest in WA -Washington State Standard
• Totem pole journey urges opposition to Roadless Rule rescission - NPR
  

You can learn all about the Xaahl and the Way of the Masks campaign and tour by visiting Se'Si'Le's dedicated page for the tour events. Se’Si’Le’s partners include: Sierra Club, Save our wild Salmon, Washington Conversation Action, Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center.

It’s been an incredible journey so far. As anyone who has experienced him in person before can attest, Jewell is an incredibly moving speaker and has brought the crowd to their feet in both locations. All the supporting presenters have each brought their own heart and messages to the gatherings, and together have woven a beautiful tapestry of connection, meaning, and powerful call to action for our ancient forests and the salmon and people whose very being are tied to them.
LeeAnne Beres, Save our wild Salmon

 

*Roadless Rule:  An extremely popular conservation policy enacted in 2001 to protect more than 45 million acres of pristine lands in national forests across 36 states and Puerto Rico. The longstanding rule generally protects against new roadbuilding for logging and oil-and-gas drilling in unfragmented, backcountry forestlands that have never been disturbed by major development.  In 2025, the Trump administration is proposing repealing this rule, opening up these lands to logging and other destructive commercial activities.  Learn more about it on the Earthjustice website.

 
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