Hélène Brodeur

Writer, historian of franco-ontarian culture

Born in Saint-Léon-de-Val-Racine in Québec, raised in Northern Ontario; died in Ottawa in 2010 at the age of 87.

Studied to become a teacher at the University of Ottawa and also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in 1946.

Worked as a teacher in Ottawa and a newspaper writer. Was the first woman to become the Director of Communications for the Treasury Board Secretariat.

Began her career as a writer in 1957, first by translating books for publishers, then writing for the CBC, Châtelaine, Maclean’s and Flight Magazine. Most of her writing was initially done in English but in 1977, upon her retirement from the federal civil service, she published “Les chroniques du Nouvel-Ontario” (A Saga of Northern Ontario), a historical novel about the French-Canadian presence in Northern Ontario and their role in developing that region of Canada. Went on to publish many more books about Northern Ontario and franco-ontarian culture.

Has received numerous prizes and accolades for her writing and her contribution to franco-ontarian history.

www.aefo.on.ca

http://yourlifemoments.ca
www.famouscanadianwomen.ca