Ellen White (Snuneymuxw First Nation) facts for kids

Ellen R. White (born around 1922 – died 2018) was a respected elder, author, and teacher from the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Canada. She was honored with important awards like the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia for her amazing work.

A Life of Learning and Helping

Early Years and Helping Others

When Ellen was a young girl, she learned how to be a midwife. She started helping with births when she was only 9 years old. By the time she was 16, she was already delivering babies on her own.

After growing up on Vancouver Island, she moved to Nanaimo, British Columbia. This was after she married Doug White. She then raised her children within the Nanaimo First Nation community.

Teaching and Storytelling

Ellen White spent 30 years as a lecturer and storyteller at the University of British Columbia. She was very important in starting the First Nations Studies program at Vancouver Island University (which was called Malaspina College back then) in 1994. She then worked there for 13 years as an Elder-in-Residence.

Students, staff, and teachers at the university knew her as "Auntie Ellen." In 2006, Vancouver Island University gave her an Honorary Doctorate degree. This was to recognize her many years of hard work in education and helping the community.

Kwulasulwut Garden

The Kwulasulwut Garden at Vancouver Island University's Nanaimo campus is named after Dr. Ellen White. Kwulasulwut is her Coast Salish name, and it means "many stars." This special garden includes a totem pole created by the Coast Salish artist Jane Marston.

Ellen White was also the grandmother of Douglas White III, who later became a Chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Special Recognitions

Ellen White received many important awards for her contributions:

• 2006 – Honorary Doctorate from Vancouver Island University
• 2007 – B.C. Community Achievement Award
• 2011 – Order of British Columbia
• 2016 – Order of Canada