Former BRFN Chief Judy Desjarlais denies wrongdoing, plans court challenge

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Dismissed Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) Chief Judy Desjarlais isn’t going down without a fight.

In her first statement since being removed, a visibly emotional Desjarlais posted a video on social media on Friday, September 20th.

She says she was allegedly told of her exit via text message from a BRFN member.

“I was attending a BRFN meeting about the treaty land entitlement claim,” said Desjarlais. Where we were drafting the final stages of our legacy trust.”

“I was informed of the council’s decision to remove me as Chief. I was also informed the news was being broadcast on all our social media accounts, website platforms and band entities.”  

“I was given no prior notice a decision regarding me had been reached.”

Desjarlais has been accused of circumventing the nation’s by-laws, including allegedly signing off on permit approvals to energy company Petronas on traditional lands without council approval.

She denies the claim, saying a 2023 investigation into her alleged wrongdoing has cost the First Nation over $400,000. 

The second Dane-Zaa female chief adds that the document has many “gaps” in the process. 

“I believe council’s decision and the process leading to it are flawed.  I have instructed my lawyers to challenge it in federal court.” said Desjarlais.

“Since the report’s released in early August, I’ve been attempting to collaborate with the council to ensure it has it is accessible to all members, so that you can see it for yourself.”

Other allegations she says, including the claim that Desjarlais was receiving contracting work for her company Top Notch Oilfield Contracting were “proven false.”

She maintains her assertion that BRFN is now “a lawyer-run nation.”  Vancouver-based Ratcliff LLP has represented the First Nation for the past two decades. 

“I’m being held accountable for striving to achieve a balance of sustainability for the long-term stability of our nation, not only for the present, but also for the future,” said Desjarlais.

“I have championed equal opportunities for members, contractors, and our youth on projects, emphasizing inclusion over the previous practice of a first-on and first-off model.”

Desjarlais’s full statement can be found here. 

BRFN’s full statement on the claims released on September 17th, can be found on their website.