James Blackman is a proud Dene member of Cold Lake First Nations in Northeast Alberta and was one of the youngest elected councilmen at age 22. He founded Primco Dene Catering Corporation, along with two other individuals in his third term in council. Today he heads up Primco Dene as President and CEO. He was also one of the founders of Seven Lakes Oilfield Services, a sister company under the umbrella of Primco Dene Group of Companies.

James was instrumental in the creation of the Primco Business Centre, which houses Primco Dene and a number of other Cold Lake First Nations’ businesses and partnerships. As an advocate for aboriginal business, James has played a significant role in other business projects in his community, including Casino Dene and the Hotel and Conference Centre. Throughout it all, he has provided award-winning leadership and has been a driver of the many successes, awards and accolades that Primco Dene has received throughout the years.

James has recently completed the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Community-Industry Relations certificate from the University of Alberta. This program is designed to be a catalyst for community engagement between Indigenous people, industry, and government in relation to issues of social and economic development as well as the environment. He is the director of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and sits on over a dozen corporate boards across Canada. James is also a private entrepreneur in his own business, Denergy Solutions.