Doreen Manuel (Secwepemc/Ktunaxa), MFA, is the sixth child of Grand Chief George Manuel and Spiritual Leader Marceline Manuel. Her work prior to the film industry was prompted by the childhood trauma and abuse she suffered in and as a result of the Indian residential school system. She committed eighteen years of her life to develop and teach social wellness programming. Doreen began her career as a teacher in 1987 and began in the film and TV industry in 2003.
In her role as Program Coordinator and Instructor for the Indigenous Independent Digital Filmmaking program (13 years), she re-developed the curriculum into a cultural model, which examines decolonizing methodology. She is the Director of the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. She serves on the Board of Directors of Knowledge Network; Women in Film & TV, the Documentary Organization of Canada, and Vancouver International Film Festival. She serves on the Telefilm Indigenous Working Group; is a Matriarch with the IM4 virtual and augmented reality training program; serves as an Indigenous advisor on the TELUS Storyhive fund Indigenous envelope; and serves on the Motion Picture Production Association of BC Equity and Inclusion Committee. She is a founder of Tricksters and Writers feature film screenwriting program; Indigenous Digital Accelerator and Filmmakers in Indigenous Leadership and Management Business Affairs programs. She is an award-winning filmmaker with an extensive background as a leader working in First Nations education and community development. Doreen is also the owner of Running Wolf Productions.