Ellen White Invested into the Order of Canada

March 31, 2017

OTTAWA—Today, on behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Her Honour the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Ellen White. The ceremony took place at Dufferin Place in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Ms. White was appointed on November 18, 2016.

Ellen White, C.M., O.B.C.
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Ellen White has worked for more than seven decades to celebrate the culture of her people. At a young age, she campaigned to bring electricity to her reserve and established programs to better prepare Aboriginal children for the public school system. Later, as an Elder, she wrote several books on Coast Salish beliefs and practices, and created one of the first dictionaries of the Hul’q’umi’num’ language. She continues to build bridges between Aboriginal peoples and the larger community, notably as the long-time Elder-in-residence in the Native studies program at Vancouver Island University.

About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order in the last 50 years. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information, visit www.gg.ca/honours.

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Media information:

Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166 (office)
613-852-3248 (cell)
marie-pierre.belanger.@gg.ca

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