On April 30, 2025, at the Treaty One Gala, Jim Bear was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of his exceptional leadership, vision, and service to Indigenous communities. A Residential School Survivor and long-time leader from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.
Jim has dedicated much of his life to building bridges between First Nations and government, serving an impressive eleven terms on Chief and Council. With a background in accounting and decades of experience in both politics and business, he has been a tireless advocate for reconciliation—using insight, compassion, and often humour to educate others on Indigenous history. His legacy includes co-founding the Southeast Resource Development Council, helping to establish South Beach Casino, and contributing to the historic repatriation of Naawi-Oodena.
Jim has been honoured with many awards, including Queen’s Jubilee Medals and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s Community Champion Award. He continues to lead through involvement in vital initiatives such as the Southeast Personal Care Home, Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, and the Collaborative Leadership Initiative.
Congratulations Jim Bear on all your successes, leadership and being a role model to our nation and communities.
