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Seattle, Washington / Public art

John T. Williams Memorial Pole

A poignant 34-foot painted red-cedar totem pole honoring First Nations woodcarver John T. Williams, serving as a catalyst for healing and justice within the Seattle Center campus.

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John T. Williams Memorial Pole
www.seattlecenter.com, og_image_www.seattlecenter.com

What is the John T. Williams Memorial Pole?

It is a 34-foot painted red-cedar totem pole erected to raise awareness of the traditions, history, and culture of Seattle's native populations. The memorial honors John T. Williams, a First Nations woodcarver who was fatally shot by a Seattle police officer in August 2010.

Where is the memorial pole located?

The pole is located at Seattle Center on the Broad Street Green in a grove of trees, facing west toward the Space Needle. It is situated south of the Museum of Pop Culture and east of the Space Needle.

What does the pole depict?

The carvings include a perched eagle at the top, a mother raven (and baby) at the bottom, and a figure of a woodcarver.

Who created the memorial?

The pole was carved by Williams' family and friends, with his older brother, Rick Williams, leading the project to honor the family's artistic legacy.

When was the pole raised?

The memorial pole was raised at Seattle Center on February 26, 2012.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The John T. Williams Memorial Pole is a 34-foot painted red-cedar totem pole that stands as a powerful testament to the traditions, history, and culture of Seattle's Native populations. The memorial honors John T. Williams, a First Nations woodcarver who was fatally shot by a Seattle police officer in August 2010. This project grew out of that tragedy, serving as a catalyst for healing and justice for the community. Carved by Williams' family and friends, the pole features a perched eagle at the top, a mother raven, and a figure of a woodcarver. An interpretive display explains the symbolism of these figures, noting that the eagle flies the highest and sees the farthest, which is why it takes the perch at the top. The pole was carried by family and friends through downtown Seattle from Waterfront Park, where it was carved, to its final location at Seattle Center on February 26, 2012. Standing on the Broad Street Green in a grove of trees, the pole faces west toward the Space Needle. It is located south of the Museum of Pop Culture and east of the Space Needle. The memorial is designed to raise awareness of the Native populations of the region, ensuring that the legacy of a talented carver is preserved in the heart of the city's cultural center.

Visitor tips

  • The Seattle Center campus is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing for a visit at any time of day.
  • Admission to the Seattle Center campus is free, so you can view the pole without any tickets.
  • Take a moment to read the interpretive display to understand the symbolism of the carved figures.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the pole is located on the Broad Street Green.

Nearby context

The memorial pole is situated within the 74-acre Seattle Center, a civic and arts gathering place that was the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. It is positioned near major attractions like the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture, placing this solemn memorial in a direct contrast to the city's most iconic and high-energy landmarks.

Sources

Evidence and links