Creator Record
Metadata
Name |
Willie, Tom Mackenzie |
Other names |
Hiwakilis |
Nationality |
Indigenous/Kwakwaka'wakw |
Biography |
’Nak’waxda’xw chief, Hiwakilis (Tom ‘Mackenzie’ Willie) is from Ba’a’s (Blunden Harbour, British Columbia). He is known as a song keeper composer and is a renowed singer. His wife, Elsie Williams would assist with this role. Hiwakilis mentored Wak'analaglis (William Hilamas Edward Wasden Jr.) to be the song keeper and composer for Kwakwaka’wakw ceremony. In addition to perpetuating oral traditions through song, Hiwakilis also engaged in carving. |