Membertou Chief Terrance Paul joins Order of Canada today

Ottawa's Rideau Hallwill be the setting today as Terrance Paul,the longtime chief of MembertouFirst Nation in Cape Breton,and 76 other Canadians receive one of the country's highest honours.

Paul is the only Nova Scotianon the 2017 list of new appointments to the Order of Canada.

He has beenMembertou'schief for 33 years, winning 16 band elections. Under hisleadership, Membertouhas transformed from a tiny community in the Sydney area into a thriving business centre.

Paul said he feels "extremely honoured" to be made a member of the Order of Canada.

"I am thankful to my community for their part in making Membertou the wonderful place we call home," Paul said in the statement.

"Our hard work and perseverance throughout the years hasensured a promising future not only for ourselves, but for our children."

Paul will receivethe official insignia of the Order of Canada from Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette. Theceremony will be live streamed at Kiju'sRestaurant in Membertou, beginning at 11:15 a.m. AT.

For a complete list of recipientsclick here.