My Roots

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These people are my beautiful parents, Vonnie and Ducky Desjarlais, who have been married for 52 years. They had three children, and I am the eldest. My parents have been my teachers, mentors, and role models, instilling in me the values and principles upon which I have based my life. I will always cherish and honor their lives by keeping those invaluable life lessons in mind.

My strength and resilience come from within, modeled by my parents, who experienced and overcame hard times and struggles. Our family motto was, 'Always do your best in everything you do, and if you have done that, then you can feel good about it.' Though my parents left us early, the legacy they left behind resonates with our entire family. I am forever grateful to my parents for the love and support they provided me every step of my life journey.

This is my maternal grandmother, Vitaline Cardinal (née Racette), who was married to Louis Charles Cardinal. Pictured here is my mother as a child along with three of her brothers. My grandparents had a total of 12 children. My grandfather was a trapper and did odd jobs until he enlisted in the army. After his service he came home and worked for the Town of Indian Head, while my grandmother took in laundry and mending to help support the family.

They were hardworking individuals, coming from a long line of Métis working-class citizens. Deeply grounded in their culture, they spoke their Michif language and passed on traditional values. The Cardinals and Racettes are families that have made significant contributions to Métis history in the historic Qu'Appelle Valley. The Cardinals were among many families recorded to have taken Métis Scrip and also lived on the road allowance alongside numerous other Métis families from the valley.

This is my paternal grandmother, Mary Louise Desjarlais (née Kelly), who was married twice and had a total of 15 children. She first married Fredrick Blondeau, and they had five children together. Tragically, Fredrick passed away as a young family man, leaving my grandmother as a young widow with five children. She later remarried my grandfather, Leo Desjarlais, and they had ten more children.

Grandma D was resilient, raising her children while working as a cook at the Fort Hotel and later at the Fort Qu'Appelle Indian Hospital. Grandpa D contributed by working for SaskParks, building infrastructure within the parks in the Qu'Appelle Valley. The family lived on the Lebret Métis Farm for a time before moving to Fort Qu'Appelle.

I cherish fond memories of spending summers at Grandma D's house, tending to the large garden, spending time with many cousins, going to the beach, and creating lasting memories.

My grandfather, Louis Charles Cardinal, served in World War II alongside other family members and Métis men and women who enlisted to serve our country. These individuals were men and women of honor, with some returning home to their communities and families, while others did not. I have family members who are buried in Germany, who stormed Juno Beach, helped liberate France, and fought valiantly in numerous battles of both World War I and II, as well as the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Maarsii to the brave souls who courageously stood for our freedom.

The Qu'Appelle Valley is a beautiful place where the natural landscape creates an inviting atmosphere for everyone. Nestled in the heart of Canada's prairies, this charming area boasts scenic views, including rolling hills, lush valleys, and serene lakes. For my family, the Valley is more than just a picturesque location; it's a place where deep connections are rooted and cherished. Generations have grown up here, participating in local traditions and forming bonds that transcend time. Whether it’s gathering for festive celebrations or enjoying quiet moments in nature, Qu'Appelle Valley is a treasured place filled with love, history, and a profound sense of belonging.

Originally founded by the Roman Catholic Church, the Lebret Métis Farm served as a training and employment program operated by the federal government. This self-sustaining farm was a hub of activity, from raising livestock to grain farming, and everyone who lived on the farm played a role in its sustainability. My dad was in charge of managing the dairy barn, ensuring it was an integral part of the farm's operations.

We often organized community events around harvest and planting seasons,that featured activities for all ages, spanning across the entire year. It was a community that deeply embraced culture and identity, creating a welcoming place for everyone who lived there.