William Hiłamas Edward Wasden Jr. Wax̱a̱widi “Canoes Come to His Shore” was born at ʼYa̱lis (Alert Bay), BC on October 14, 1967, and is a member of the ‘Na̱mg̱is Nation “Nimpkish Valley Tribe”. Wasden has always been fascinated with the artwork and style of his Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw and belongs to many respective tribes within the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw. Wasden carries many names and dances that have been bestowed on him by various sides of his families. He is a member of the most sacred ‘Mamaḵ̓a “Shaman Dance Society” and Hamat̓sa “Cannibal Dance Society”, among others. Wasden is also a descendant of the Cook, Wanukw, Hunt, Alfred, Harris and Innis families; tracing his ancestry to the Tłingit of Alaska and the Mowachaht of the West Coast. The last Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Song Keeper/Composer/Historian Chief Hiwaki̱lis Tom Willie “Mackenzie” and wife Matriarch ‘Ma̱lidi Elsie (nee Wamiss) daughter of Chief Helagi̱lis Tom “Patch” Wamiss were Wasden’s mentors. From them Wasden learned numerous Kwakwaka’wakw traditional songs and how to compose them. He continues to teach all that he knows to the next generation. Wasden also led the G̱wa’wina Dancers Cultural Society, an adult professional dance group intending to share authentic Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw culture and teachings. Presently, Wasden is the Cultural Coordinator and teaches at Ḵ̓aḵ̓udłat̓s “House of Learning,” a First Nation’s School at Quatsino, BC.