A pioneer and a First Nations role model, Manny Jules has played an instrumental role in leading change for First Nations people over the last four decades.

Throughout his career in politics and public service, he has made significant contributions to the economic and social advancement of First Nations across Canada.

In 1974, Mr. Jules was elected Councillor of the Kamloops Indian Band and in 1984, elected Chief. During this time, he spearheaded initiatives such as co-founding the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and repatriating 45,000 acres of Kamloops Indian Band reserve lands.

Mr. Jules was also instrumental in the federal government’s decision to recognize First Nation jurisdiction over property taxation on reserve lands. He subsequently assisted with implementation of this change as Chair of the Indian Taxation Advisory Board and in 2006 as Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission.

Mr. Jules was a member of the Auditor General’s Panel of Aboriginal Issues, Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs Committee on Fiscal Relations, the National Aboriginal Financing Task Force and the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs on Claims.

A recipient of Honorary Doctorates from the University of British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University,

Mr. Jules was also awarded the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers Award and the Economic Developer of the Year Award.