James is the Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, a not-for-profit that has provided training and capacity development to hundreds of Indigenous leaders and youth in the clean energy field. James is a member of Walpole Island First Nation, where he has previously served as Chief Executive Officer. James led the development of First Nation equity participation in two 100MW wind farms. These and similar experiences led James to become a champion of Indigenous community and business partnerships in clean energy.
James holds an M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and he is a former municipal clerk. He has also spent time running a consulting business, Ajijaak Solutions, which provided governance and management support for First Nations and businesses. James is a sessional instructor at Western University’s Public Administration Program. He is a proud father of three, a multi-instrumentalist, and an avid outdoorsman.