Ellen White – Kwulasulwut – has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

The Snuneymuxw elder whose name means ‘Many Stars’ was honoured for her work as a community leader and for her efforts to preserve the Hul’qumi’num language.

The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, made the announcement on Dec. 30. He said, “Let’s be inspired by the examples set by these remarkable Canadians and use this occasion to build a smarter and more caring country in which every individual can succeed to the greatest extent possible.”

Her son, Doug White Jr., said: “The entire family is extremely honoured for the recognition that has been bestowed upon our mother for her lifetime of work and service.

“My mother has done significant work that has helped to build understanding between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

“This includes the publishing of multiple books of Coast Salish stories and her political work and advocacy that has helped to establish good working relationships and improved quality of life by securing essential services such as water and electricity for our community.”

In 2011, a few weeks after her 89th birthday, Ellen White received the Order of BC from then-Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point.

And in 2006, she was described as a “figure of legendary proportion” when she received an Honourary Doctorate of Laws degree at the former Malaspina College in Nanaimo, now known as Vancouver Island University.