James Charles Ernest Parkes (1861−1899)[1] was the first colonial Secretary for Native Affairs in Sierra Leone.
Parkes was educated at the CMS Grammar School, Freetown, and worked for some time at the Queen's Advocate Department.
J. C. E. Parkes was promoted from a clerkship in the Commandant's office in Bonthe to the Aborigine branch of the Secretariat.
Due to his knowledge and understanding of indigenous culture and affairs, Governor Hay reorganized the Aborigine branch of the Secretariat and established Parkes as superintendent of an independent branch (later to be renamed the Department of Native Affairs).
Parkes was to answer and serve directly under the Governor, and initially Parkes' office was in the spacious house built in Rawdon Street by John MacCormac, an Irish trader (who was the brother of Dr. Henry McCormack and uncle of Dr. William MacCormac).