We regret to announce the passing of Chief Bill Williams from Skwxú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
Cedar Project (SPPH), was blessed last year when we were introduced to Elder & Hereditary Chief Billy Williams from Skwxú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Elder Bill agreed to become an Elder with the Cedar Partnership and officially hired as one of our Cedar Elder’s with our Vancouver Cedar Project research office in March 2025.
During his short time with Cedar, Elder Bill started to introduce staff and participants to the rich history of the Squamish people and helped us start to form our Cultural Bundles for participants with the Cedar Project: Strengthening Our Spirit cultural program.
We are deeply saddened at his passing and extend our love and gratitude to his family and nation; you could feel all the love Elder Bill had for his family and nation when he spoke. We will do everything to uphold his legacy and teachings in a good way.
To learn more about Chief Bill Williams’ life and legacy please see this link from the Squamish Nation.
Cedar Project is a SPPH research project led by Dr. Patricia Spittal that involves young Indigenous people in Canada who use drugs at risk of and living with HIV and Hepatitis C.