James Wah-Shee has been a leader and active participant in the economic and political life of the Northwest Territories for the past four decades. Throughout this period, he has shown an unwavering commitment to developing a strong, independent Territory and to the well-being of its people and communities. This commitment was clearly demonstrated in various roles he has played – as President of the NWT Indian Brotherhood, Chair of the Federation of Natives North of Sixty, Member of the NWT Legislative Assembly, Deputy Premier, President of the Denendeh Development Corporation, and Self- Government Negotiator for Dogrib Treaty 11 Council (now the Tlicho Government). James currently lives in Yellowknife and serves as the President of the NWT Aboriginal Summit. He is a Tlicho Citizen, an elder and continuing source of inspiration for many northerners.