Wusatoumuduk: We Make It Burn

"Wusatoumuduk: We Make It Burn" is a new multi-media stage play about Cultural Fire produced by Sugarbush Hill Moving Lhatsik, a DreamMaker project of the Ink People, led by Co-Artistic Directors Michelle Hernandez (Wiyot) and Zuzka Sabata. The full-length production tours public parks throughout Humboldt County (Eureka, Arcata, Table Bluff, Fortuna) in October 2026, with all shows at 7:30 p.m. It centers on Lou, a young Wiyot woman learning about fire ecology in college while reconnecting with her culture, and emphasizes time-honored land stewardship and cultural fire practices. The play features up-and-coming local Native cast members, nationally acclaimed Native director Tara Moses (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Mvskoke), and three filmed traditional Wiyot stories told through shadow puppetry projected on the set. The Oct. 18 and 25 performances include a pre-show panel of local fire experts moderated by outreach coordinator Cleo Woelfle-Hazard. All shows are free and appropriate for all ages. Audience members are encouraged to bring camping chairs, blankets, headlamps or flashlights, and to dress warmly. This Oct. 15 performance is at Stewart Park in Arcata. For updates and weather-related venue changes, visit wemakeitburn.com or Instagram @Wusatoumuduk.