Desjarlais ousted as Chief of Blueberry River First Nations

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Judy Desjarlais has been removed as Chief of Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN).

A statement issued on the First Nations’ website stated the removal came at noon on Tuesday, September 17th, saying the decision “was not taken lightly.”

Councillor Sherry Dominic of the BRFN council commented on the release, stating that Desjarlais’ ouster was necessary to maintain trust in the Nation’s council.

“As a council, we hold a deep responsibility to act in the best interests of our members, and we take this role very seriously,” said Dominic.

An independent investigation of Desjarlais by BRFN council launched in December of 2023 concluded Desjarlais had allegedly acted inappropriately with Nation bylaws.

The instances highlighted stem from a 2023 agreement relating to a 2021 lawsuit that gave BRFN a greater role in the decision-making process surrounding industry development on traditional lands.

The investigation found that Desjarlais had allegedly granted Petronas five permit approvals on traditional lands without consulting the council. 

Council had also alleged Desjarlais, who also co-owns Top Notch Oilfield Contracting, had been engaged in a conflict of interest by participating in negotiations and securing contracting work for her company.

On September 13th, at a council meeting in Fort St. John,  BRFN Elders gathered and protested the decision to remove Desjarlais as Chief.

“The investigation came out, and the report was done,” said Elder Clarence Apsassin. “Under our band custom, they cannot remove her without the support of the people from each representative.”

“It concluded the allegations were unfounded.  We have asked to see council minutes for meetings. Meetings between the government, industry, and The Nation.  We want to know who gave them the support to do this.”

“We’ve been trying to set up a meeting with our [family] representative, Shelley Gauthier.  There’s been no response.”

Apsassin texted on Thursday that Desjarlais is “fighting back” and that the “heat is on.”

Desjarlais told energeticcity.ca on September 13th that all her decisions were in the best interest of her people and were made after full consultation with councillors.

“I had to make a decision. There was a timeline,” said Desjarlais. “As chief, I looked at all angles. I canvassed the council. Then, I wanted to make sure that this is benefiting the nation, its contractors, and the members.”

“I had to make sure decisions were going to have benefits back into the nation, where we can start looking after infrastructure. I based my decision on those aspects.”

Energeticcity.ca had contacted BRFN council members for further comment, but none had responded by publication time.

The full statement regarding the removal of Desjarlais can be seen here.