G4SR-5 Program

James (Jim) P. Ward – General Manager, NSMDC & NSMDC AAROM. Mr. Jim Ward is a resident and member of Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation where North Shore Micmac District Council’s main office is located. He has a substantial background in business operations, business planning, community development, consulting, and Indigenous engagement. One of his key responsibilities is to provide leadership as General Manager to the North Shore Micmac District Council (NSMDC) and also the NSMDC-AAROM (Aboriginal Aquatic Resource & Ocean Management). Jim is a motivated individual with 30+ years experience in project management, business administration, governmental lobbying and has demonstrated an ability to see major activities and associated timeframes to completion on budget and on time. Jim has a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. He has attained significant experience in general administration and management of non-profit organizations, project management, technical service delivery, and the general management of people and resources. He takes pride in delivering an innovative, results-based management style and has a proven record of accomplishments to back this up. The team of professionals at NSMDC are very proficient in the development and implementation of comprehensive technical service delivery strategies for our seven member First Nation communities and beyond, and NSMDC is a well-respected service-delivery and advisory organization throughout Atlantic Canada. As the General Manager for NSMDC and NSMDC AAROM, he would like to continue to utilize and apply his expertise and skills in his current work environment to continue to promote and encourage staff co-operation and teamwork. He also works diligently to promote professional development and growth for the members of our First Nation communities. Being an efficient leader within NSMDC, his primary goal is to create and maintain an effective, healthy, vibrant workplace for all employees. In the First Nation communities, NSMDC faces unique challenges in our mandate as a Tribal Council organization, such as developing skills and capacity, bridging current skills gaps, providing effective training and orientation opportunities, addressing shortfalls in technical service delivery, and working towards the future prosperity of our Indigenous people & communities. As a recent graduate of the University of New Brunswick Management Development “Professional Development Certificate” Program, the extensive course components were invaluable in expanding his expertise and further strengthening his abilities to carrying out of his job duties. With all the completed coursework and course delivery it enhances the extensive work experience and enables him to be more effective as a leader to guide the organization that better reflects the needs of our First Nation communities. It also provided Jim with focused, practical information on how to improve and enhance the effectiveness of his management and leadership style. Recently, Jim was also an influential proponent in the signing of a MOU with Moltex Energy to help advance our communities into holding equity in the future of the nuclear industry. NSMDC now works closely with Moltex Energy, ARC Nuclear, NB Power, First Nation Power Authourity, OCNI, Atlantica Centre for Energy, and many more industry partners. This opportunity will open many doors for the prosperity of our First Nations in a variety of related fields for the energy industry from supply chain needs to job opportunities in science and technology, to financial partnerships for our communities. Jim continues to improve his leadership skills as the General Manager of NSMDC with continued personal and professional development while listening to the needs of our member communities and implementing skills and partnerships to bring these large projects to life. His success speaks for itself with the growth NSMDC has shown in the past few years. The organization has grown from a handful of staff to currently employing over 50 people and continually growing to cover a wide range of sectors from housing, community & economic development, health, education, training & skills development, natural resource protection, traditional knowledge advisory services, and technical services.