Born in Abitibi, of the Cree nation, James grew up in foster care in Senneterre. Much of his life was a struggle between the “white world” and his native reality. It was through inspiring encounters and the synchronicity of life that he reconnected with his culture, this time in Wemotaci with the Atikamekw. Among the friends who welcomed him and inspired him were Charles Coocoo and Marcel Pétiquay, whom he accompanied on various ceremonies.
One day, he received an invitation to take part in a drum ceremony. He explains that “it just came out of him”, this cry from his entrails created under the almost hypnotising sound and rhythm of the big drum. It was a revelation for him, and his first contact with the source of his culture and spirituality.
James has had a busy career: from traditional drummer-singer to social worker at the Val-d’Or and Senneterre Friendship Centers, to event DJ, which has taken him from Abitibi to the Côte-Nord.
With his wife, James settled in Pikogan, and because of his great interest in music, he dedicated his time to hosting the community radio station, which literally became a passion for him. He organizes interviews with the community’s elders to promote the language, is sometimes involved as an artistic agent, and makes himself available for training and sharing his knowledge with the next generation who will later replace him. Despite all his occupations, his place for relaxation and rejuvenation is “in the woods”, alone or with his family. That’s where he finds his new ideas.
People around him will say he’s an inspiration, and loves to share his personal, spiritual and cultural knowledge. James has the potential and courage to challenge himself to realize his biggest dreams with an enthusiasm and drive all his own.
“I’ve been thinking about writing my story for a long time. One day, I’ll be able to tell it to you in a book.”
Until you meet him at a book fair, we invite you to visit his Facebook or website page.
