Barney Williams Jr. is Nuu-chah-nulth and a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. He is a registered clinical counselor and a Survivor of the residential school system. He contributed his knowledge and wisdom to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
From 2008 to 2015, he served as a member of the Commission’s Indian residential school survivor committee, providing cultural and spiritual advice.
Beginning at the age of five, Williams was forced to attend the Christie Residential School in Tofino, BC. Like all Survivors, Williams has worked through the trauma of his residential school attendance.
Williams became a registered clinical counsellor. He has provided training, healing and workshops for individuals and communities in mental health, crisis intervention and addictions.
For more than 60 years, Williams has been the traditional keeper of the beach for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. He’s also an Elder-in-Residence at UVic and provides advice on the university’s role in reconciliation.
For sharing generously of his traditional knowledge, his work with Indigenous communities, and his support for the culture and identity of his community, the University of Victoria in 2017 awarded Williams an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD).
He continues to work with the NCTR and to advocate for the self-determination of his people.
2014-03-28