Biography

Frederick Blake Jr. was elected to the 17th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on October 3, 2011 to represent the Mackenzie Delta constituency. Mr. Blake was born in Inuvik in 1977, has lived in Edmonton and Inuvik, and has lived in Tsiigehtchic for the last 17 years.

Mr. Blake completed Grade 11 at St. Joseph’s Composite High School and went on to do Leadership Training through Lethbridge College and Negotiation Training in Banff, Alberta.

Mr. Blake was the Chief and Mayor of Tsiigehtchic for two terms from 2007-2011. He served as the President of the Gwich’ya Gwich’in Council in Tsiigehtchic, on the Board of Directors for the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and on the Board of Directors for the Gwich’in Development Corporation and the Gwich’in Settlement Corporation.

Mr. Blake has worked as a Renewable Resource Officer, Heavy Equipment Operator, Water Plant Operator, Water Monitor, Environmental Monitor, Big Game Hunting Guide, and he also managed the day-to-day operations of the Development Corporation for Red River Incorporated Band Ltd.

Mr. Blake has volunteered the last few years for the Mackenzie Jamboree in Tsiigehtchic and the Annual Canoe Days. He has also taken students on the land for day trips, and participated with youth in Hand Games in Tsiigehtchic.

Mr. Blake’s parents are Grace and Frederick Blake; and his grandparents are Frederick and Elizabeth Blake, and Dale and Rose Clark. Mr. Blake’s common-law wife is Jamie Benoit-Cardinal and they are raising their family in Tsiigehtchic.

Mr. Blake enjoys hunting, travelling on the land, trapping, operating equipment, and playing hand games.