MEET THE ELDERS
Rahkweeskeh Miller
Carolyn Hartness
Norman McGraw
Hwiemtun
Kayla Wentworth
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 HA RU WA
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 is not able to join us for our summit this year due to illness.
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.
SCHEDULE
RAFFLE WITH HUNA FLASH
Raffle winners have been emailed.
BURNING MASK 2024 SPONSORSHIP
If you are interested in sponsoring our event this year, you can do so below.Minimum is $222.