Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 23, 2008
• Invested on: November 05, 2009

William Commanda has spent a lifetime working for greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions, as well as for peace, justice and racial harmony. A respected Algonquin elder, he served as chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation for nearly two decades, and is the founder of the Circle of All Nations, an organization dedicated to promoting Indigenous wisdom and peace. He has organized several international gatherings of Indigenous elders and spiritual leaders of the Americas to foster respect and reconciliation amongst nations. As the official keeper of three sacred wampum belts, he continues to share his wisdom and teach others about Algonquin history.