William Hiłamas Edward Wasden Jr. Wax̱a̱widi “Canoes Come to His Shore” was born at ʼYa̱lis (Alert Bay) British Columbia on October 14, 1967. William is a member of the ‘Na̱mg̱is Nation “Nimpkish Valley Tribe”. William was always fascinated with the artwork and style of his Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw “The Kwak̓wala Speaking People” (a term now accepted to embrace the 18 existing tribes). He also belongs to many other respective tribes within the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw. William’s father is William Wasden Sr. known as Bill, who is of English and Irish descent and also part Kwagu’ł from Tsax̱is “Fort Rupert” and ‘Na̱mg̱is in heritage. Bill’s traditional name is Siba̱lx̱ola “Sound of Copper Ringing” which was given to him by his wife’s family. William’s mother is Janet Wasden nee Hunt and her traditional name is Pudłas “Food Giver”. Janet is a member of the Kwagu’ł and ‘Na̱mg̱is Nations.