Frederick Blake Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Blake Jr.
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| Grand Chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council | |
| In office January 31, 2025 – January 31, 2029 |
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| Preceded by | Ken Kyikavichik |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for Mackenzie Delta | |
| In office October 3, 2011 – October 3, 2023 |
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| Succeeded by | George Nerysoo |
| 15th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories | |
| In office October 24, 2019 – November 14, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Jackson Lafferty |
| Succeeded by | Shane Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1977 Inuvik |
| Residence | Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories |
Frederick Blake Jr. is an important First Nations leader and politician from Canada. He was first chosen to be part of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in 2011. Before that, he served as the Chief of the Arctic Red River Band, which is the Gwichya Gwich’in community in Tsiigehtchic, from 2009 to 2011.
He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Mackenzie Delta area from 2011 to 2023. In 2024, he was elected as the Grand Chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. He officially started this role on January 31, 2025, and will serve for four years until 2029.
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About Frederick Blake Jr.
Grand Chief Blake lives in Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories, with his family. His parents, Grace and Frederick Blake, also live in Tsiigehtchic.
His Work as a Community Leader
Frederick Blake Jr. was the Chief for the Arctic Red River Band from 2007 to 2011. This role meant he led the Gwichya Gwich’in people in Tsiigehtchic. As Chief, he worked to make homes better and improve community buildings. He also helped create programs for young people and made sure local decisions followed Gwich’in values.
Blake believed in using traditional lands wisely and sharing knowledge between older and younger generations. He worked closely with Elders and council members to make decisions. His leadership in the community helped prepare him for his later roles in government.
His Time in Government
Blake decided to run for public office in the 2011 election for the Mackenzie Delta area. Many people ran in this election because the previous leader was stepping down. Blake won against four other candidates, including a former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. This was his first time being elected to the Legislative Assembly.
In 2013, Blake asked the Minister of Transportation if a larger ferry, the M.V. Merv Hardie, could be used at Tsiigehtchic. He wanted it to replace the smaller ferry, the MV Louis Cardinal, to make travel easier.
During his time in the Legislative Assembly, Blake became the Deputy Speaker after being re-elected in 2015. This role meant he helped keep order during meetings and supported how laws were made. In 2019, his fellow members chose him to be the 15th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. This was a big honor, making him one of the few Gwich’in leaders to hold this position. As Speaker, he led debates and made sure everyone followed the rules.
Becoming Grand Chief
On August 19, 2024, Frederick Blake Jr. was elected as the Grand Chief of the Gwich’in Tribal Council. He won with more votes than his opponent in a close election. His campaign focused on bringing people together, having clear leadership, and protecting the rights and lands of the Gwich’in people.
Blake officially took office on January 14, 2025. A special ceremony was held in Tsiigehtchic on January 31, 2025, to celebrate him becoming Grand Chief. This election showed his strong commitment to serving the Gwich’in people.
