Mi’kmaw, born and raised in Flat Bay, N.L., Calvin White is one of the founders of the Aboriginal revival in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the 1960s, he helped organize Aboriginal families in the province, including those in Conne River and Labrador, to form the Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, which later became the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI).

A former chief of the Flat Bay band and president of the FNI, has also served on many national boards, including the Native Council of Canada, the National Indian Brotherhood, the Aboriginal Liberal Commission, and the National Council of Welfare. He is one of the original petitioners in the 1989 legal action brought by the FNI against the federal government, which eventually resulted in the agreement to form the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

Elder White received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1993, Lifetime Achievement Award from Ulnooweg Development Group, for his long-time commitment to business and business development in 2008. The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2015. Elder White was awarded a Human Rights Champion Award in July of 2016; an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on Thursday, May 18, from Memorial University, and in July of 2017 he also received the Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pin. On December 17th, 2017, the Governor General of Canada invested Calvin into the honourable award The Order of Canada for his pivotal role in achieving recognition for Newfoundland Mi’kmaq and his longstanding commitment to the rights of his people.

An Elder and cultural mentor to his community and to Mi’kmaq across the province, he strives to preserve and celebrate their unique identity.