We honour Chief Bill Williams
On behalf of Squamish Nation leadership we honour Chief Bill Williams
találsamkin-t siyám Chief Bill Williams
February 12, 1950 – September 28, 2025
találsamkin-t siyám Chief Bill Williams was one of 16 hereditary Chiefs of the Squamish Nation and was passionate about preserving the cultural and spiritual values of the Squamish People.
Chief Williams first became an elected official in 1980 and served the Nation for more than 30 years. Educated in business administration and marketing, he applied his knowledge to furthering the economic and cultural interests of the Squamish Nation. During his terms as an elected representative, the Nation experienced unprecedented growth, becoming a national leader in both business and development.
Chief Williams’ accomplishments included historic negotiations across portfolios – everything from environmental issues to real estate and land rights. Protecting natural resources was of critical importance to him. His work led to the establishment of the Squamish Nation traditional territory and its recognition by the province of B.C. and the Government of Canada. He was also instrumental in the signing of the Strategic Land Use Agreement with the province in 2007, ensuring the protection of Squamish traditional lands for generations to come.
Chief Williams was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Eugene Rogers Award for Leading Conservation Efforts by the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, the Premier’s Award for promoting innovation and excellence during the Sea to Sky Agreement negotiations around the 2010 Olympic Games, and the Civic Merit Award from the City of Vancouver.
“Chief Bill Williams devoted his life to creating opportunities for the Squamish Nation,” said Chairperson Wilson Williams. “He was an inspiration to us all, and he will be greatly missed.”
Prayers will be held for Chief Bill Williams at 7 pm Friday, October 3 at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road, West Vancouver. A funeral will be held at 10 am on Saturday October 4, also at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre.
