Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 15, 1999
• Invested on: May 20, 2000

As one of the first Members of Parliament of Aboriginal descent, he was a passionate representative of Native People in the House of Commons. After being appointed to the Senate in 1984, he continued to advocate for and support the movement toward justice for all First Nations in Canada. In addition to his public service, he helped establish one of British Columbia's first Aboriginal drug and alcohol treatment centres.