Blake Desjarlais facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blake Desjarlais
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Desjarlais in 2023
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| Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach |
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| In office September 20, 2021 – April 28, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Kerry Diotte |
| Succeeded by | Kerry Diotte |
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| Born | December 29, 1993 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Political party | New Democratic |
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Blake Desjarlais (born December 29, 1993) is a Canadian politician. He represented the area of Edmonton Griesbach in the House of Commons from 2021 to 2025. He is a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Desjarlais is from the Cree and Métis communities. This makes him Alberta's only Indigenous Member of Parliament (MP) during his term. He was also the first openly two-spirit person to serve as an MP.
Early Life and Education
Blake Desjarlais was born in Edmonton on December 29, 1993. He grew up in the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in northern Alberta. His family background includes both Cree and Métis heritage.
Blake's aunt, Grace Desjarlais, raised him. She took him in when he was a baby. He has said that she "saved [his] life." His father, a carpenter, passed away when Blake was twelve years old.
Desjarlais went to high school in Elk Point, Alberta. He later studied political science and Indigenous studies at MacEwan University. He then moved to the University of Victoria to continue his studies. While at university, Desjarlais was active in student politics. He was also the firekeeper for the Native Student Union (NSU). After finishing his studies, he became the national director of the Métis Settlements General Council in 2016.
Political Career
Blake Desjarlais decided to enter politics to represent his community. He was interested in helping people through government. He joined the New Democratic Party because he felt they understood his goals.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In the 2021 election, Blake Desjarlais ran for MP in Edmonton Griesbach. He won against Kerry Diotte, who was a Conservative MP. This area was usually a strong place for the Conservative Party. Desjarlais's win was seen as a big change.
After being elected, Desjarlais became the New Democratic Party's deputy caucus chair. This role involves helping to lead meetings and discussions for his party's MPs.
Desjarlais served as an MP until April 28, 2025. He was defeated in the 2025 federal election by Kerry Diotte.
Images for kids
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Desjarlais in 2023
