Fishing Lake’s Blake Desjarlais Keeps Roots Close

Blake Desjarlais, who grew up on Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, returned home this past weekend. He came back to Fishing Lake to celebrate Metis Days. Desjarlais’ daily life sees him exploring and meeting people from all across Canada. For him coming home to Fishing Lake is a way to relax, and slow the pace of life.

Educated to make a difference

Blake graduated high school, and immediately went off to university. He went into a Bachelor of Arts program at MacEwan University. He majored in Political Science and Government, finishing his education at MacEwan in 2014. Desjarlais transferred to the University of Victoria. At U of V, Dejsarlais earned a Bachelor of Social Science, and again majored in Political Science and Government. He finished his education in 2016.

Fishing Lake remains home

Blake returns home as often as he can. He takes him time in Fishing Lake seriously. He takes everything he hears from community members with him in his travels.

“This is definitely where I am from. This is my roots. I take a little Fishing Lake everywhere I go. There’s a quote the youth say: You can take someone out of Fishing Lake, but you can’t take Fishing Lake out of someone. I think it’s something we can be really proud of.” Blake Desjarlais says.

Metis Settlements General Council

Desjarlais is the Director of Public Affairs for the Metis Settlements General Council. He’s been working for the Council since September 2016.

“We are a year and a half into President [Gerald] Cunnigham’s term. That’s the federation of Metis Settlements. Some folks might know, but it’s yet to be figured out by the majority of Canadians, Alberta is home to all of Canada’s Metis Settlements. The only legislated Metis Settlements in the world. This is the only place Metis people can govern themselves.” Desjarlais explains, “The work I do as an employee within [President Cunningham’s] office, is to identify some of the big challenges we have, and ways to move forward. Our files that are most important to us, and President Cunningham, is our Federal Engagement.”

Great to come home

“I try to get back [to Fishing Lake] as much as possible. Get out on the land, especially in summer time. It’s hard to say no when you’re in such a beautiful place like Fishing Lake. I was back last week, but took a big break about a month and a half.  I went fishing last week. It was awesome to be able to eat the food from the territory. It’s a big thing for us. It really reminds you of how you have to ground yourself. Not only with the environment, but with the people. When Metis Day comes around I like to be here. Make sure what the people are saying is what I’m saying.”