Les Filles Du Roi

When I first learned about the historical filles du roi, I was in Grade 8 at L’École Saint-Joseph in Penetanguishene, Ontario. I felt a fierce kinship with these girls, likely because I was the same age as many of them would have been when they left France to become young wives (and mothers) in the “new world”. I’ve never stopped wondering about these girls; why they went, what they left behind, and what really happened when they arrived. The documented history is narrow, paternalistic, wholly unsatisfying. Statistics are available –passenger manifests, marriage certificates, census records – but what about the lived experiences of these women? Yes, they were population-boosting possessions of the patriarchy. But what did they themselves think, dream, feel? 

This gap in the narrative is what prompted me to talk to Laura Di Cicco about a show that would give voice to les filles. At the same time, I knew there were/are other perspectives missing from accounts of our nation’s history. These young women arrived as products (and agents) of a system, a system that was bent on destroying the way of life of the Indigenous people of this continent, a system that has resulted in centuries of oppression, violence, erasure. A system that is ongoing, and will continue to harm, unbalance and separate us – unless we take action, together. 

As I grappled with this, and Laura asked me about potential collaborators, I knew that I needed to talk to Corey Payette. I am so grateful that Corey was inspired to take part, and in such a significant way. And I’m thankful for all that this show has taught us, both artistically and personally. We’ve uncovered parts of our own identities, family histories we might never have known if not for the pull of the questions at the heart of this piece. I am fortunate to have grown up surrounded by the strong, vivacious and tenacious women of my French-Canadian family: my Mémère Simone, my mother Jeanne, and my eight ma tantes Marie, Irène, Avela, Madeleine, Anne, Gisèle, Yvette and Bonita. Now, I know that all of us are descended from fille du roi Marguerite Bulté, who married in 1670, and lived to be 95 years old.

What if my ancestor only survived because of the kindness and generosity of Corey’s ancestors? What if settlers had allowed themselves to be changed by genuinely listening to, and learning from, the Indigenous people of this land? What if we settlers committed to doing this now? What if Western European patriarchy wasn’t our default modality? What if it went without saying that women’s voices and bodies are to be honoured, revered and respected?

On behalf of Corey and I – Nia:wen (Thank-you) to all the people who have believed in this work. 

Julie McIsaac

Co-Writer, Book/Lyrics