Frederick Blake, Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. is a First Nations Canadian politician, who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in the 2011 election. Frederick “Sonny” Blake Jr. served as Chief of the Arctic Red River Band (the Gwichya Gwich’in community in Tsiigehtchic) from 2009 until 2011. That four-year term preceded his election to the Legislative Assembly in October 2011. He was the MLA for Mackenzie Delta from 2011 - 2023. In 2024, he was elected as Grand Chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. He was sworn in Ceremonially on January 31, 2025. His term will last four years from 2025 - 2029.

Biography Grand Chief Blake lives in Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories with his family. His parents, Grace and Frederick Blake, also live in Tsiigehtchic.

Arctic Red River Blake was Chief for the Arctic Red River Band from 2007 - 2011.

Political career Before entering territorial politics, Blake served as Chief of the Arctic Red River Band, representing the Gwichya Gwich’in people of Tsiigehtchic from 2007 to 2011. becoming one of the few Gwich’in leaders to hold the position. As Speaker, he presided over debates, upheld parliamentary rules, and ensured respectful dialogue among members during a time of increasing political complexity in the North.

On August 19, 2024, Blake was elected Grand Chief of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, receiving 604 votes to his opponent’s 515 in a closely contested race. His campaign emphasized unity, transparent governance, and the defense of Gwich’in rights and lands. A point of contrast in the campaign was that his opponent resided outside the Gwich’in Settlement Area, while Blake remained deeply rooted in his home community of Tsiigehtchic. Following the election, two Gwich’in councils launched a legal challenge questioning the electoral process; however, the Northwest Territories Supreme Court ultimately upheld the validity of the vote. Blake officially assumed office on January 14, 2025, and was ceremonially sworn in in Tsiigehtchic on January 31, 2025. His election marked a return to Indigenous governance after more than a decade in territorial politics and reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to serving Gwich’in Participants across the Gwich'in Settlement Area.

Election results