Jim Boucher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Boucher
AOE
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Boucher in 2017
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| Born | February 29, 1956 Fort McKay, Alberta, Canada
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| Occupation | Investor, businessman |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Predecessor | Dorothy MacDonald |
| Parent(s) | Theodore and Eva Boucher |
Jim Boucher (born February 29, 1956) is an Indigenous Canadian businessman and leader. He is from the Cree and Dene nations.
He was an elected chief for the Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) for many years (1986–1994 and 1996–2019). He also started the Fort McKay Group of Companies in 1986. Jim Boucher was also the president of the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC). He served as grand chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta.
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About Jim Boucher's Life
Jim Boucher was born in Fort McKay, Alberta, in 1956. His parents were Theodore and Eva Boucher. His first languages were Cree and Dene. His parents lived off the land by trapping animals. Jim lived on the trap line until he was old enough for school.
He is a direct descendant of Headman Adam Boucher. Adam Boucher signed Treaty 8 on August 4, 1899. When he was young, Jim Boucher attended the Blue Quills Indian Residential School. This school was part of the Canadian Indian residential school system. It was run by Catholic priests and nuns. Jim Boucher has two children and five grandchildren.
Leading the Fort McKay First Nation
The Fort McKay First Nation is located in the middle of Canada's Athabasca oil sands. This area has a lot of industrial development around it. As a young chief in the mid-1980s, Jim Boucher saw both challenges and chances. He used Fort McKay's location to improve the community's life. He did this by working with companies and governments. He also built successful businesses owned by the First Nation. These businesses created jobs and wealth for his people.
Building Businesses for the Community
In 1986, the Fort McKay First Nation decided to create a company. This company was called the Fort McKay Group of Companies (FMGOC). Its goal was to offer services to the oil industry. This would create jobs for their people and earn money. Jim Boucher was the Chairman of the Board for FMGOC from 1986 to 2019.
The FMGOC runs three companies that are fully owned by the Fort McKay First Nation. Under Jim Boucher's leadership, FMGOC became one of the most successful First Nation businesses in Canada. Between 2012 and 2016, it earned about $506 million each year. The FMFN has also created more than 13 joint ventures with other companies.
In 2015, the average income for people in Fort McKay First Nation was $73,571. This was higher than the average in Alberta ($50,683) and Canada ($38,977). Under Jim Boucher, the FMFN became known as one of Canada's most successful Indigenous communities.
Working with Governments and Companies
Jim Boucher helped negotiate the Fort McKay's Treaty Land Settlement Agreement in 2003. His calm and smart approach helped finish this agreement quickly. He also worked with other First Nations to create the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act. This law was introduced in 2005 and started in 2006. It helped fill gaps in rules for reserves. This allowed big business projects to happen on reserve lands.
In 2006, Shell Canada Limited and Fort McKay First Nation made an agreement. They exchanged options for oil sands leases. This meant Fort McKay could lease its land to Shell. In return, they would receive royalty payments from oil production. This was an innovative way to use their land rights.
In 2017, the FMFN invested $503 million to own 49 percent of a Suncor Energy bitumen storage facility. This facility is near Fort McMurray. This was the largest business investment ever made by a First Nations group in Canada. This purchase was funded by a $545 million bond issue. This was the biggest debt offering by an Indigenous group in Canada.
Jim Boucher also supports environmental protection. Under his guidance, the FMFN helped create the Moose Lake Access Management Plan. This plan will set rules for development on crown land near the Moose Lake Reserves.
Awards and Special Recognition
Jim Boucher has received many awards and honors during his career.
- In 2020, he was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence. This is the highest honor a citizen can receive in Alberta. It recognizes people who have made a big impact.
- In 2018, the Energy Council of Canada named him the Canadian Energy Person of the Year. They said he is one of the most important people in Canada.
- Also in 2018, the Fort McKay First Nation and its companies won the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year award. This was from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).
- In 2009, Jim Boucher received the Aboriginal Business Award for Lifetime Achievement from the CCAB.
- In 2017, The Globe and Mail newspaper named him one of "The Power 50." This list includes the 50 most influential Canadian business leaders.
- He received a Builder of Wood Buffalo Award in 2017.
- In 2016, the Governor General gave him a Commendation for Outstanding Service. This was for the help Fort McKay First Nation gave during the wildfires. The community welcomed about 5,000 people who had to leave their homes. They provided food and shelter.
- He received the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo's Award for Achievement in Public Service.
- In 2008, he received a Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award (R.A.R.A.) Lifetime Achievement Award.
- He was an Indspire Award Laureate in 2008.
- In 2003, Venture Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta.
- He received the Celebrating Excellence Distinguished Achievement Provincial Award in 2002.
- In 1998, he received a Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award (R.A.R.A.) Leadership Achievement Award.
Giving Back to the Community
Jim Boucher has also supported education and health care.
- He created the Chief Jim Boucher Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also created the Chief Jim Boucher Ministerial Award of Excellence at Keyano College. These awards help students and recognize excellence.
- In 2017, Jim Boucher led the Fort McKay First Nation and its business partners in a big donation. They gave $550,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Gratitude Campaign. This campaign aims to bring excellent health care to the Wood Buffalo area.
