William Hiłamas Edward Wasden Jr. Wak`analagalis “The-River-Flows-Through-Him-Forever”
is a member of the 'Namgis tribe of the Kwakwaka'wakw or Kwak`wala-Speaking-People. William
was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia on the eastern coast of Northern Vancouver Island on October 14, 1967. He is a member
of the 'Namgis First Nation from Alert Bay and belongs to many other respective tribes within the Kwakwaka'wakw.
William's father is William Wasden Sr. known as
Bill, who is of English and Irish descent and also part Kwagu'ł from Fort Rupert and 'Namgis in
heritage. Bill's traditional name is Sibalxola which was given to him by his wife's family. Bill is
the Band Manager of the Danaxda'xw/Awa'etłala New Vancouver/Knight Inlet First
Nations and also partially comes from the latter tribe. William's mother is Janet Wasden (nee Hunt) and her traditional
name is Pudłas. Janet is a member of the 'Namgis and Kwagu'ł nations. On William's father's side he is a direct descendant
of Hereditary Chief John Nulis of the Kwagu'ł tribe Ma'amtagila. On his mother's side, William is
a direct descendant from the Head Hereditary 'Namgis Chief T`łakwudłas and Hereditary 'Namgis
Gigal'gam Chief Waxawidi.
William
carries many names and dances that have been bestowed on him by various sides of his extended families. He is a member
of the most sacred Hamat`sa or Cannibal-Dance-Society among others, which he has previously been initiated into. William is
also a descendant of the Cook, Wanukw, Hunt, Alfred, Harris and I'nis families. He can also trace his ancestry to the
Tłingit of Alaska and the Mowachaht of the West Coast.
