Jim Boucher

Early life

Jim Boucher was born in Fort McKay, Alberta in 1956 to Theodore Boucher (1923-1992) and Eva Boucher (1934-1969). His first languages were Cree and Dene. His parents both lived off the land and earned their living from trapping. He also spent time on the trap line until he reached school age.

As part of Canada’s Indian residential school system, he attended Blue Quills School in St Paul before settling down with two children and five grandchildren to look after today.

Chief Jim Boucher of Fort McKay is known for his visionary, consensus-based leadership as the Chief of Fort McKay First Nation. Under his direction, the First Nation became one of the most enterprising Indigenous communities in the world.

Career

The Fort McKay First Nation is situated in the heart of Canada’s Athabasca oil sands and is surrounded by industrial development. As a young Chief in the mid-1980s, Boucher recognized that the Fort McKay First Nation community’s location not only posed issues but also offered opportunities. This was the early beginnings of his political career.

Under the brilliant leadership of Chairman, Mr. Boucher, Fort McKay First Nation successfully propelled their business ventures to become one of Canada’s most successful Indigenous-owned companies in history. From 2012–2016 alone they achieved average gross annual revenue of $506 million and created 13 joint ventures with other businesses. This economic growth enabled an impressive rise in the post-tax income for FMFN community members; Statistics Canada reported it as significantly higher than that found among similar communities nationwide.

With his strategic and conciliatory approach, Grand Chief Boucher negotiated the Fort McKay’s Treaty Land Settlement Agreement in 2003 with great efficiency. He later worked collaboratively alongside other First Nations communities to author the groundbreaking First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act which came into effect on April 1, 2006. With his strategic and conciliatory approach, Grand Chief Boucher negotiated the Fort McKay’s Treaty Land Settlement Agreement in 2003 with great efficiency. He later worked collaboratively alongside other First Nations communities to author the groundbreaking First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act which came into effect on April 1, 2006.

This legislation was a critical step forward that allowed complex commercial projects to move forwards without regulatory gaps. In addition, he has been recognized for his expertise published within many notable sources such as an article written for Canadian Heavy Oil Association’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2011.

In addition to his career, he has a great history of philanthropic work as well. Boucher established the Chief Jim Boucher Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Chief Jim Boucher Ministerial Award of Excellence at Keyano College.

In 2017, Boucher led the Fort McKay First Nation and its business partners in a donation of $550,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Gratitude Campaign. “The $16 million Gratitude Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the foundation’s history with the goal of bringing world-class health care to Wood Buffalo.”

Jim Boucher is an unwavering advocate for environmental protection, and his influence as the leader of FMFN has been instrumental in developing a comprehensive plan to manage resources near Moose Lake Reserves 174A & B. This highly impactful Management Plan seeks to regulate development processes within a 10km zone surrounding the area – ensuring its sustenance into future generations.

Net Worth

As of today, Jim Boucher’s net worth is not publicly available.

Achievement

He has received many awards and recognitions in his time. Here are some of the highlights:

2020, Boucher was invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence. The Order recognizes those who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact, and is the highest honor a citizen can receive as an official part of the Canadian Honours System.

2018, Boucher was named the Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada. The Energy Council says "Chief Jim Boucher has been, and continues to be, one of the most influential people in Canada, and one of its most successful Indigenous leaders."

2018, Fort McKay First Nation and Fort McKay Group of Companies were the recipients of the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year, awarded by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). In 2009, Jim Boucher also received the Aboriginal Business Award for Lifetime Achievement from the CCAB.

2017, Boucher was named one of The Power 50 - The 50 Most Influential Canadian Business Leaders by The Globe and Mail.

2017, Boucher received a Builder of Wood Buffalo Award

2016, Boucher received a Commendation from the Governor General for Outstanding Service. During the peak of the wildfires, the Fort McKay First Nation community welcomed about 5,000 evacuees and provided them with food and temporary shelters in their homes, community centers, schools, and in their community-owned camps in the territory.

Boucher received the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo's Award for Achievement in Public Service

2009, Aboriginal Business Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

2008, Boucher received a Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award (R.A.R.A.) Lifetime Achievement Award

2008, Indspire Award Laureate in 2008

2003, Recognized as one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta by Venture Magazine

2002, Celebrating Excellence Distinguished Achievement Provincial Award from the Public Institutes of Alberta

1998, Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award (R.A.R.A.) Leadership Achievement Award