84-year-old Anishinabek elder Yvonne “Bonnie” Bressette is one of a number of people who will receive the Order of Canada from Governor General Mary Simon this year.
Bressette is best known as the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation‘s first female chief, serving from 1988 to 1990. Afterward, she remained stayed on as a member of the First Nation Band Council until her retirement. Outside of her council duties, Bressette has also contributed to her community as a restaurant owner, as well as helping community members get training to teach at their local daycare center when it first opened.
Bonnie is in good company, as she will be joined by fellow appointees such as hockey player Sidney Crosby, actor Victor Garber, and comedian Rich Little.
To see a full list of this year’s appointees, click here.