In 1995, Chief Bill Williams was stood up by his family to become one of sixteen Hereditary Chiefs of the Squamish Nation. His traditional name is talalsámkin siyám and he is an elected representative of the Squamish Nation from 1980 to 2013.
Before being elected to the Squamish Nation Council Chief Bill Williams, talalsámkin siyám completed his educational back ground in business administration and marketing. His dedication and perspective comes from his understanding of the importance of passing on the knowledge of cultural and spiritual values in his work and everyday life
Chief Williams has severed as the Council Co-chair for the Squamish Nation and was appointed this position by the 16 member council for last four terms of his elected time in office. During his term as an elected representative Chief Williams has helped the Squamish Nation grow from a staff of 20 with a million dollar budget to a governing body with 350 staff and a budget of $55 million. As a First Nation the Squamish Nation is at the leading edge of business and development in Canada and British Columbia. Development within the traditional territory, on reserve, and protection of natural resources has been a key goal throughout Chief Williams career. The Nation balances revenue generation with preservation as seen in the management of Timber Forest Licence 38 which was purchased by the Nation in December 2005. TFL 38 consists of 211 hectares of land and forest rights within the traditional territory and Chief Bill Williams serves as the President of Northwest Squamish Forestry the forestry arm of the Nation. Chief Williams is President of Provincial Forestry Board for all Native Communities.
As the Squamish Nation moves forward building new relationships and negotiating both development and land acquisitions Chief Williams has been at the forefront of these negotiations. For Chief Williams this does not only happen in the office but out on the land reaching out to people in the community and to membership. Chief Williams has established the Ambassador program, the Witness project, and work extensively in conservation of the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation.
From the establishment of the Squamish Nation traditional territory and its recognition by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, to the signing of the Strategic Land Use Agreement with the Province in 2007, Chief Bill Williams has helped craft the agreements and collaborative tone of the Nations relationships. These efforts will see the protection for future generations, areas within the traditional territory, such as the Wild Spirit Places, village, and cultural sites.
For his unwavering commitment to protecting these areas Chief Bill Williams was given the Eugene Rogers Award for Leading Conservation Efforts by Western Canada Wilderness Committee. For his work promoting business relationships in 2005 Chief Williams was named one of the top 10 leaders of Big Business in British Columbia by Vancouver Business Magazine, and in 2006 he was second to the Top of the top 50 Successful Business in B.C. As well, Chief Williams has twice been recognized by the Provincial Government Premier’s Awards for being a leading Negotiator for deals which benefit the Community.
Chief Bill Williams was instrumental in the development of a world class cultural centre located in Whistler British Columbia.
Chief Bill Williams Co Authored a Book Called “Picturing Transformation” about bringing 11,000 People out on the Land over a 10 year period.
Chief Bill Williams was President of the Four Host First Nations Society. The Four Host First Nations Society was charged to work with 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games which will be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2010. The Four Host First Nations comprise Tsleil-waututh Nation, Musqueam Nation, Lil’wat Nation, and Squamish Nation of whose lands the Olympic and Paralympic 2010 Winter Games was be held. Other Olympic duties include the Whistler Legacy Society which did take over ownership of three Winter Olympic venues at the end of the Games.
As Lead Negotiator for Squamish Nation Aboriginal Rights and Title Projects like Whistler Blackcomb are being developed with commitment to Protect the land through Environment and Wildlife with Spiritual and Cultural Lens of Squamish Government.
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