For more than 20 years, Robert Louie has dedicated himself to improving the social and economic well-being of his community and of Canada's other First Nations communities. After receiving his law degree from the University of Victoria, he became involved in Aboriginal self-governance. Twice elected chief of the Westbank First Nation, he worked industriously to foster opportunities for growth, development and self-government. His perseverance and determination during lengthy negotiations with the federal government contributed to the signing of the historic Westbank Self-Government Agreement, which granted jurisdiction over land management, language and culture.