[6] LaRocque was born in the remote community of Big Bay, Alberta, near the town of Lac La Biche.
[7] After she completed high school, LoRocque worked as a counsellor for juvenile criminal offenders.
[4] LaRocque also worked as a teacher at the Janvier 194 reserve until 1971, when she moved to the United States to attend Goshen College, Indiana.
[8] In 1973, LaRocque graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and English from Goshen College, and later attended the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in peace studies in 1976.
[8] LaRocque joined the University of Manitoba faculty in 1976, and received a second Master of Arts degree in 1980, in Canadian history.