Exciting Update: Meet Cedar Dawson, the New Salmon Governance Project Coordinator
We’re thrilled to share an update on the Five Nations Salmon Laws Project! This importnant initiative is now in full swing and aims to document, revitalize, and celebrate the traditional salmon laws, governance, and teachings of the Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Ehattesaht-Chinehkint First Nations.
We are especially excited to share that Cedar Dawson joined the Ha’oom team on December 2nd as our Salmon Governance Project Coordinator!
Cedar Dawson (they/them):
čiiʔiłumqa ʔukʷaqiłs. waayaaʔtx̣ ʔiš ʕaax̣uusaʔtx̣ ʔiš nin'yalk̓inuxw ʔiyax̣taqšiƛs.
Cedar is from the Ditidaht, Ahousaht, and Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w Nations. They grew up in their nuučaan̓uł mułmumc, on the west coast, and was raised to be a Knowledge Holder. Cedar’s professional background is very diverse, everything from a music professional, a visual creative, a GIS mapper, and a consultant. However, their greatest endeavours are within Indigenous stewardship, and language + culture revitalization and reclamation. They hold on tightly to the cultural teachings passed down to them and incorporate them into every aspect of their life..
In this role, Cedar will:
Coordinate the project and planning of activities
Provide cultural protocol guidance and ensure activities refeelct Nuu-chah-nulth values and traditions
Engage with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and youth to document salmon lawas and strengthen mentorship and intergenerational learning
Support community engagement strategies to ensure the project is inclusive, culturally grounded, and accessible
Collaborate across departments and with our project partner the Balance Co-Lab to enhance project design and implemenation, sharing insights to improve outcomes for communities
Since starting, Cedar has already been actively involved in the project, sharing amazing knowledge on how to improve community engagement and helping shape the next steps of the initiative. We are incredibly lucky to have them on the team!
We are working to organize community meetings for this project next year and you will be able to meet with Cedar. In the meantime, if you have any questions on the project, or would like to be involved, please don’t hesitate to contact them at cedar@haoom.ca.
Together, we’re working to ensure that Nuu-chah-nulth salmon laws continue to thrive, connecting youth, Elders, and Knowledge Holders in a meaningful way for generations to come.