Ellen White (Snuneymuxw First Nation) facts for kids

Ellen R. White (born around 1922, passed away in 2018) was a respected elder, author, and teacher from the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Canada. She was known by her Coast Salish name, Kwulasulwut. Ellen White received important awards like the national Order of Canada and the provincial Order of British Columbia for her amazing work.

Early Life and Helping Others

Ellen White grew up on Vancouver Island. From a very young age, she learned how to be a midwife. A midwife is someone who helps mothers when they are having babies. Ellen started helping with births when she was only 9 years old! By the time she was 16, she was already helping deliver babies on her own.

After growing up, Ellen married Doug White. They moved to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where she raised her children within the Nanaimo First Nation community.

A Teacher and Storyteller

Ellen White spent many years sharing her knowledge and stories. She was a lecturer and storyteller at the University of British Columbia for 30 years. A lecturer is like a teacher who gives talks to students.

Helping Start a New Program

In 1994, Ellen White played a big part in starting the First Nations Studies program at Vancouver Island University (which was called Malaspina College back then). This program helps students learn about the history, cultures, and languages of Indigenous peoples.

Elder-in-Residence

After helping to create the program, Ellen White worked at Vancouver Island University for 13 years. She was an "Elder-in-Residence." This means she was a respected elder who lived and worked at the university. She shared her wisdom, offered guidance, and supported students and staff. Many students and teachers affectionately called her "Auntie Ellen."

Special Recognition

In 2006, Vancouver Island University gave Ellen White a special award called an Honorary Doctorate. This award recognized her many years of hard work in education and helping her community.

There is even a beautiful place at the university's Nanaimo campus called the Kwulasulwut Garden. It is named after Dr. Ellen White, using her Coast Salish name Kwulasulwut, which means "many stars." The garden has a special totem pole created by a Coast Salish artist named Jane Marston.

Ellen White's legacy continues through her family as well. She was the grandmother of Douglas White III, who later became a chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Awards and Honours

Ellen White received several important awards for her dedication and contributions:

• 2006 – She received an Honorary Doctorate from Vancouver Island University, recognizing her impact on education.
• 2007 – She was given the B.C. Community Achievement Award, which celebrates people who make a difference in their communities in British Columbia.
• 2011 – Ellen White was awarded the Order of British Columbia. This is the highest honour a person can receive from the province of British Columbia.
• 2016 – She received the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a civilian can receive in Canada, recognizing outstanding achievement and service to the country.