Doreen Manuel

A Visionary in Indigenous Film & Education

Doreen Manuel (MFA, University of British Columbia) is a trailblazing Indigenous filmmaker, educator, and industry advocate with over 20 years in film and 38 years in education. As the daughter of Grand Chief George Manuel and Spiritual Leader Marceline Manuel, Doreen carries a profound legacy of Indigenous leadership, activism, and storytelling.

A residential school survivor, she has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous perspectives in film and media. She is the first Indigenous woman to serve on the Board of Directors of Knowledge Network and as a Director of a major film center in Canada.

Her leadership extends to groundbreaking initiatives, including:

• Indigenous Digital Accelerator (IDA) at Capilano University, where she founded programs such as Filmmakers in Leadership & Management, NBC IDA Screenwriting, and Indigenous Assistant Director Training.

• Women in Film & Television Vancouver (WIFTV) Tricksters and Writers Program, the first feature film screenwriting initiative for Indigenous women.

• Advisor & Partner in Indigenous film development, including roles with Telefilm Canada, VIFF, IM4 Lab, TELUS STORYHIVE, and Screen BC Equity & Inclusion Committee.