05/09/2026
Xatśūll First Nation and Williams Lake First Nation, in partnership with City of Williams Lake and STEPS Public Art, collaborated on a new public art installation at the Williams Lake Regional Airport.
On the afternoon of Friday, May 8, community members and local leaders gathered for the official unveiling ceremony. Remarks were shared by Williams Lake First Nation Kukwpi7 Willie Sellars, Xatśūll First Nation Kúkwpi7 Rhonda Phillips, City of Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, Cariboo Regional District Area D Director Steve Forseth, and Cariboo–Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson. Representatives from Williams Lake First Nation and Xatśūll First Nation opened and closed the ceremony with traditional songs, bringing warmth and celebration to the occasion.
The sculpture was created by artist Kyle Thornley, with stonework by Zuzana Riha and support from studio assistant Alex Pollard. As a very special contribution, the dipnet featured in the installation was handcrafted by the late Tŝilhqot'in net maker Lloyd Myers of Yunesit'in.
Xatśūll First Nation Kúkwpi7 Rhonda Phillips:
“Public art like this matters. It creates visibility. It creates conversation for us to be able to be here. It reminds people that reconciliation is not only words spoken in meetings or policies written on paper. Reconciliation is also reflected in what we choose to honour publicly, whose stories are told, and whether Indigenous people feel seen and respected in shared spaces.”
Williams Lake First Nation Kukwpi7 Willie Sellars:
“When we are able to fish, when we are able to harvest, when we are able to practice these traditional ways, our communities are happier, our songs are louder, our souls and hearts are more full, and much more healing can happen.”
Xatśūll First Nation Kúkwpi7 Rhonda Phillips:
“I was taught that while the river provides life and sustenance, it also carries great power. These teachings were never just about catching salmon for our bellies; they were about responsibility, conservation, and understanding that if we care for the land and the water, they will continue to care for us.”
