ʕatiqšiƛaḥ huupač̓asʔatḥ ʔiš c̓išaaʔatḥ, ʔanin hiłʔap̓at nism̓aakʔiʔał. Čiiʔiłumqa ʔukwaqiłs. Cedar Dawson babłaʔdiic šaššiis. Waayaaʔtx̣ ʔiš ʕaax̣uusaʔtx̣ ʔiš Nin’yalk̓inuxw ʔiyax̣taqšiƛs. C̓uumaʕas ʔiyax̣aʔtax̣s.

I acknowledge the Hupacasath and Tseshaht for having us on their land. My name is Čiiʔiłumqa, English name is Cedar Dawson. I come from the villages of Waayaa, Ahous, and Niny̓alk̓inuxw. Currently residing at C̓uumaʕas.

Cedar Dawson is an Indigenous person from the Ditidaht, Ahousaht, Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w, and Métis Nations. They are a Knowledge Holder, storyteller, and steward of their ancestral territories. Cedar has a certificate in Advance GIS/GPS mapping from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Adventure and Recreation Tourism Certificate from Vancouver Island University, and currently studying Nuučaan̓uł Language Fluency at North Island College. Most importantly, Cedar has learned ancestral teachings and knowledge from their father, grandparents, Matriarchs, and Chiefs.

Cedar was the first femme West Coast Trail Guardian for Ditidaht First Nation, since the program’s creation, which is their proudest accomplishment. They’ve also participated in many language revitalisation projects, which they continue with this day. Cedar’s lifelong goal is to continue to learn from the land, waters, and be a steward of the territories like their ancestors.