From the Gringai clan of the Hunter Valley Wonnarua nation, James grew up in Redfern and for 16 years was Curator of Koori History and Culture at the Powerhouse Museum. An experienced teacher, respected Koori historian and researcher and author (of the best selling Koori: A Will to Win), James was formerly President of the Aboriginal Studies Assocation and Aboriginal Education Council of NSW and for his services to the community was awarded the Centenary Federation Medal.
