A visual representation of the envisioned bronze sculpture depicting William Riker in Valdez is available, courtesy of Riker Maneuver.
Commander William Riker embodies various personas – a strategic leader, a charismatic individual with a beard, and even a connoisseur of jazz. Despite his fictional existence and a birth date set 300 years ahead, Riker stands out as perhaps the most renowned figure originating from Valdez.
For enthusiasts of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Riker, the Enterprise’s first officer, symbolizes the thrill of exploring new frontiers in space and encountering diverse forms of life.
In a tribute to the character’s origins, a group of fans aims to erect a bronze statue in Valdez, honoring its connection to this iconic figure.
Leading this initiative is Cameron Harrison, a Valdez native akin to Riker. Inspired by the lore that Gene Roddenberry, the mastermind behind “Star Trek,” chose to depict a character with Alaskan roots, Harrison underscores the significance of celebrating this unique association.
Although currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Harrison, alongside fellow Alaskan Trekkies, is committed to materializing a life-sized bronze statue of Riker in Valdez. Establishing a nonprofit organization named after a signature pose of the Starfleet officer, the group envisions the statue depicting Riker in a classic stance, offering a bench for interactive experiences and photo opportunities.
Jessie Desmond, another key figure in the Riker Maneuver team, details the progress made, including securing a local artisan, Patrick Garley of Palmer, for the statue’s construction, with an estimated project cost of approximately $125,000.
The proposal has been presented to the city of Valdez, emphasizing its potential as both a tourist attraction and a tribute to a character embodying Alaskan values.
The Riker Maneuver project aims to encapsulate Riker’s essence – a blend of spontaneity, resilience, teamwork, and individuality, resonating with the Alaskan spirit.
Additionally, the connection to space exploration resonates with Alaska’s presence in the realm of space endeavors, further aligning Riker’s character with the state’s ethos.
Noteworthy is Riker’s openness to engaging with diverse cultures, mirroring the multicultural fabric of Alaska’s populace, characterized by individuals from varied backgrounds.
As the initiative garners support from the local community and CBS officials, the fate of the statue rests with Valdez’s Parks and Recreation department, under the scrutiny of Ken Wilson, the director overseeing cultural services.
While Wilson, not a “The Next Generation” viewer, acknowledges the project’s potential as a tourism booster, the final decision lies with the city council following a public feedback phase and subsequent fundraising efforts through crowdfunding.
Similar tributes to iconic “Star Trek” characters have been established in different locations, underscoring the cultural impact and fan dedication to the franchise.
Anticipation surrounds the unveiling of the Riker statue in Valdez, with aspirations for a special appearance by Jonathan Frakes, the actor portraying Riker, potentially serenading attendees with the Star Trek theme on his trombone.
Despite Frakes’ unavailability for comment, his expressed enthusiasm for the project during a previous interaction fuels optimism for a memorable event in Valdez.