Desjarlais seeks reversal of council resolution in federal court

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Ex-Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) Chief Judy Desjarlais has taken another step in fighting for her title back, formally filing an application in federal court challenging the ouster.

Desjarlais posted to her Facebook account on Tuesday, October 15th, urging the court to reverse the band council resolution in late September that removed her from power.

She then challenged council members to remove the resolution voluntarily and allow her to explain her actions to BRFN members at an open council meeting, writing that “band members have a right to attend” and “be heard” regarding the matter.

“Thank you for your support and willingness to stand with me in this fight for truth,” Desjarlais wrote, concluding the post.

The 18-page document cites BRFN councillors Wayne Yahey, Shelley Gauthier, Troy Wolf, and Sherry Dominic, known in the application as the “Group of Four.”

According to the document, Desjarlais has faced “significant, repeated and growing opposition” from the group on several occasions since her election to office in January 2022.

The filing also notes that BRFN has had at least a dozen legal proceedings since 2017. 

Desjarlais was removed from office on September 17th after an independent investigation concluded that her acting on behalf of the First Nation violated BRFN’s bylaws.

For example, it was claimed that she had acted inappropriately in awarding contracts to PETRONAS, an energy company, on traditional lands without the council’s approval. 

That included dealing within the framework of a 2023 implementation agreement with the provincial government and removing Vancouver-based Redcliff LLP as BRFN’s legal counsel.

The investigation also cleared Desjarlais of lobbying for contracts for her company, Top Notch Oilfield Contracting, but found she had acted in a manner “exceeding her authority” as Chief. 

Desjarlais has denied all claims against her, going to Facebook to air her grievances following her dismissal.