Those travelling to and from Williams Lake via the airport will soon be greeted with a life-sized wood carving of Chief William, the city’s namesake.
Williams Lake city councillors voted unanimously to approve the request for the installation of the statue of Chief William commissioned by the Williams Lake Indian Band at the Williams Lake Regional Airport, during its regular Tuesday evening meeting April 30.
Scott Nelson thanked the chief and said he was proud to be a part of putting the statue up at the airport.
“Really, this is just showing two communities working together. I think having it at the airport is an important location.”
Read More: WLIB unveils a new statue of Chief William
Acting Mayor Craig Smith said having the statue at the airport was “just one step in our partnership with WLIB. I’m very very happy today that (Chief Willie) was this quick with the letter.”
The statue of Chief William is a life-sized wood carving, made by Ken Sheen — the man behind the three cowboy statues located around the Y. Sellars has said that honouring the man the lake is named for shows their respect for both him and what he was able to do for their people.
In a previous Tribune article on the statue, Sellars said Chief William’s influence was felt well beyond his community, including within the lakecity and beyond to neighbouring First Nations’ communities. This statue, in Sellars’ mind, is an important part of reconciliation and recognizing local leaders that, to this point, have gone unrecognized.
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