Le Brelan, vol 35, no 3 (2022, December) From the president
From to vice-president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
Hello dear members,
To allow our president to organize the preparation of the funeral of his mother, Mrs. Thérèse Fortin, I have agreed to address you with this post in this December edition.
Allow me first, to offer, on my own behalf and on behalf of all of you, to Alain, his brother Denis and the whole family, our most sincere condolences. May these painful and painful moments give way to comforting memories lived with her.
For almost 3 years, the subject on everyone's lips has been the Covid-19 so I will try not to talk about it this time. I will just allow myself to tell you to continue to be careful in your family or other meetings in order to stay healthy and in good shape. We tell ourselves that viruses are never far away.
Now we are coming to a time when family celebrations will finally be possible! These family meetings, although similar from year to year, are precious and it was enough to be deprived of them to better see it. Wishing us special moments to fill your box of memories to remember and cherish for many years to come.
In each of our bulletins, you will find the story of Michaud who left a trace of their passage in the life of a family or a community. I would like you too, dear readers, to take a little of your time to send us a story, an anecdote from a person around you or an ancestor who has distinguished himself by his experience. It would be a great way to pay tribute to him and make him known to all of us while perpetuating his memory. You don't need to have won medals or made a big splash to deserve to have a little of your story told. We are waiting for your stories...
In Le Brelan d'April, we will be able to announce the course of the next gathering. Watch this news so you can join us to see each other again and share good times together.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love, pleasure and serenity. May the year 2023 spread its wings in a calmer climate and may it allow achievements to meet our expectations. Be careful to stay healthy.
Happy Holidays XxXx
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, vice-president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 36, no 1 (April 2023) From the president
From to president Alain Michaud
Dear members,
We are pleased to send you this spring edition of Le Brelan! Let’s start with some very big news for our association : the historical interest of our journal has been recognized by BAnQ.
Indeed, all subscribers to the Library and National Archives of Quebec will now be able to access past editions of Le Brelan. All those who have contributed to the contents of Brelan since 1988 thus see a lasting recognition of their efforts and an unalterable presence of Michaud whose story they have told. The same is true of the passage of all the directors who have invested themselves in the boards of directors over the years.
To maintain the interest of our paying members, only issues older than 3 years from the date of the online consultation will be accessible from BAnQ’s digital Internet service.
Another good news for our association, the return of the annual gatherings of its members, their family and their Michaud friends, members or not. The famous pandemic had deprived us of it for a few years. For such a reunion, what better than to return to the very place of the Kamouraskois land of our ancestor Pierre Michaud (1637-approx 1702)? Take advantage of this unique opportunity offered to you, as we do not expect to offer such a historic course for several years. Note that you can still go solo on the “ Circuit Michaud ” orchestrated by our tourist partner Fil Rouge Inc.
The annual gathering is also the occasion of the annual general meeting. The directors in place have been there for a long time and, if we do not succeed in recruiting new ones gradually, I am afraid that services to members cannot remain at the same level for long. We estimate at most ten hours per month the involvement of the rare pearls sought.
Obviously, we are in the period of renewals, the contributions of more than 50 % becoming expired since March 31. Your contribution is by far the main source of income. It allows us to continue the production of Brelan, the updating and availability of our large genealogical database as well the publication of a website that is regularly enriched with new content.
In short, your contribution makes it possible to offer services whose appreciation is confirmed by frequent testimonials of gratitude. Thank you for continuing to support the Association!
May the coming spring be a source of renewal! We are waiting for you in large numbers on Sunday, May 28 to highlight it!
Alain Michaud (1480), president
Translated by Lise Michaud Landry (1375)
Le Brelan, vol 31, no 1 (Avril 2018) From the president
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
Finally Spring is here and we all hope it will be a good one for each and everyone of you.
Ah! Comme la neige a neigé! wrote our famous poet, Émile Nelligan. Yes did ever snow this past Winter; moreover, we had to endure very cold weather day after day for quite a long time. As usual, Winter has us raging but milder weather seems just about to emerge. Luckily, after the cold, comes back warm weather. What would you say to begin Summer with a nice week-end in New-Brunswick?
Last year, a member from this region generously offered to organise this year’s meeting. A committee has been formed to suggest the administrative council, activities that would please the participating members. Cousin Nelson and his team have work hard in order that every participant returns home his head full of wonderful memories of the event. Therefore we invite you to our annual meeting in Dalhousie on June 9th and 10th, 2018. More details are available further in this Brelan’s edition.
During this meeting we will hold our annual general assembly during which we will inform you of the actual files, our Association’s finances and upcoming projects. Elections will also take place this year; we must elect 3 administrators for a 2-year mandate and one for 1 year. I invite you to join our team so that our Association goes on shining.
Among the Association’s goals in our general rules, one can read, “encourage genealogical researches”. I know that on the Internet, we can find many answers. Are we sure these informations are truthful? It seems that many websites have not made the compulsory verifications to make sure of the inscribed notions written. However do you know that our Association’s members may benefit from an agreement with Société de généalogie et d’histoire de Rimouski (Rimouski History and Genealogy Society) so that you have free access to their website where you can consult their database on Michaud families?
First, one has to be an AFMI’s member, then ask Alain, our treasurer, for an access code; Alain will make the proper arrangements with the Society. Do not hesitate to go forward in your researches and spread the good new around those who would like to consult these verified data in order to complete their own history.
For all members of the Montreal area, I invite you to meet with us upon Salon de la Société généalogique canadienne-française which will be held on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018, between 8.30 AM AND 4.00 PM at CEGEP Maisonneuve. AFMI will hold a stand to inform visitors and let them know about our Association. Cousin Réal and I will be there to answer your questions. We wish to meet every Montreal region’s members.
There are a few occasions to meet people interested in genealogy and our ancestors’ history.
I am looking forward meeting you on one or more occasions. Have a great Summer!
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 31, no 2 (Octobre 2018) From the president
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
Fall is just around the corner in our sunny days yet a little cooler compared to those it was this Summer. If heat and humidity did not disturb you, I suppose that you spent all those nice days under the sun.
Our annual meeting which took place in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, was very interesting. Our cousin Nelson had prepared an activity program that occupied us during the whole weekend. Please take a good look at all details further in this bulletin. In the name of our council and all members present, I wish to thank Nelson and his wife Anita Savoie from the bottom of my heart, for the time and energy he spent organising this gathering. We carry marvelous recollections of it. During this meeting, members of our council who had terminated their mandates, have all accepted to continue volunteering with us. I deeply thank them for their devotion and implication. We are still looking for two new administrators to fill in the vacant positions. If you are proud of your Association and have it at heart, along with just a few hours left in your busy schedule, please do not hesitate to join our team where you will be welcome. Henry Ford once said: “Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.” This is my wish for the evolution of our Association.
Upon our last council meeting, we have discussed, among others, of the location of our next gathering. Our very present goal is to reunite the biggest number of members possible but also to get close to our members and giving them the chance of participating. We are already searching for a place that would allow us to respect this goal, while keeping it at a reasonable cost.
AFMI took was also present at FADOQ exhibition which took place at fair center of ExpoCité in Quebec City. Our participation was very appreciated and our stand welcome some 70 people.
I also invite you to visit our website which is more and more interesting since our webmaster, Alain, keeps it up to date by adding his latest discoveries. Alain, we thank you very much for this outstanding work.
Have a colorful Fall season!
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 30, no 2 (Octobre 2017) From the president
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
At long last, here is your new edition of our Brelan. I know for a fact that you were eager to hear about your Association and this is what we are doing right now.
Last June, as usual, we held our annual general assembly in the fabulous Laurentian area, in St. Eustache. Some thirty people attended, some coming from Ontario who wished to participate and meet our Council’s members. Because our meeting goes from one place to another every year, this allows to the region’s members to join our meeting.
This year, the principal item on our program was the general rules’ reform, in order to meet with the Companies laws. You may consult them on our web site: www. famillesmichaud.org. The most important modification of the reform means that there are no more regional councils, but only one administration council formed by 7 elected administrators, elected upon our annual ssembly as per a rotation of 4 members the first year, and 3 the following one. These persons are elected for a 2 year term, renewable. This year, we had to elect or reelect 4 administrators and those who accepted to give time to our Association are: Alain Michaud, Réal Michaud, and Isabelle Deblois Michaud. Therefore there is still one vacancy to fill. Should you have interest for your Association, please do not hesi- tate to communicate with our secretary or myself.
I do wish to cordially thank those who have worked during so many years at the council’s table. These wonderful people are:
Claire Michaud Le Blanc (# 616), who was responsible for the Montreal region (06) and Laval (13) who consecrated lots of time calling “her” members on a regular basis to invite them to participate in a sugar party in the Spring, attend the annual assembly, and to renew their membership.
Magdeleine Michaud Bossé (# 147), Claire’s sister, represented the Kamouraska area and is among AFMI’s five honorary members, especially for her exemplary contribution as our Brelan’s redactor for some fifteen years.
Those two formidable ambassadors have done so much for our Association through their disponibility, enthousiasm but moreover for their great interest in the Michaud family.
The Association wishes to also thank Albertine Michaud- Ouellette, who used to represent the Madawaska region, and who has always contributed with great generosity to the members of her area.
Another tearful parting is Jean-Marc’s, who was making the paging of our Brelan. We have very much appreciated to work with this graphic professional who never counted his time spent to make our bulletin so attractive, which you had the great pleasure reading from the beginning to its end. Many thanks, Jean-Marc, for the time consecrated to our bulletin, a wonderful document nice to look at, read, and, for some, to keep forever.
Apart from the above partings, this Summer we had to accept Gaétane’s demission for health reasons. She had been elected treasurer last year, and we do thank her very much for the efforts she put in this task, which is not as easy as we may think.
For an association good operation, members are needed of course but also other people who accept to give time for it. In order to give long life to our organisation, we are looking for two dynamic, and interested people who would accept filling in the two council’s vacancies above mentioned. Everyone of us is a volunteer, and we would be glad to welcome new persons so that our Association becomes more vigorous, and could reach its goals. We expect you!
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
From the president (December 2023)
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
Dear members,
Since our last newsletter, the AFMI Council has not been idle. During our June meeting, we analysed the files and shared the tasks between each of us. We will be busy repre- senting you well.
I start with a very important subject : the protection of your personal data. You surely heard of Law 25, Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information, passed by government and falling under the responsibility of the Access Commission to better protect your personal information. This law imposes obligations on organization that collect, use or disclose personal information, and ours is one of them. By becoming a member of the Association, you entrust us with personal details about yourself. We need to establish the links between each family (we do genealogy).
André Paquet, our vice-president, has accepted responsibility for the application of this law. He prepares a document to frame our obligations towards you and will make it known upon acceptance by the Council.
Alain, our webmaster, is working on updating our website. Here, also, Law 25 requires us to review the forms made available to you to include your consent to disclose your information to us. Go quickly and browse to appreciate this transformation, see or review everything that Alain regularly adds to better inform you (famillesmichaud.org).
Our database also needs to be refreshed. Sylvain, in collaboration with our genealogist Jean-Eudes, will work on this file. We will need your help with this task. Have you already shared recent data regarding your entire family? It is important for an association like ours. We may have your ancestors in our bank, but what about your descendants? It is rare for a member to announce the wedding of a child or the arrival of a grandchild. Just these two events add two people to your tree, in our database. Please get your pens or email to let us know about these additions. You can see how to do it on our website.
In closing, on behalf of the Council I wish you a happy holiday season. I also wish you happiness, joy, seren- ity, but above all, health to enjoy it well.
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 36, no 2, From the president (September 2023)
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
At last, at last, we were able to gather for our members’ annual meeting last May 28, 2023. In fact for 3 years, since the emerging of the pandemic. But, on May 28, 28 answered positively to the administration council’s invitation, one of them living in Winnipeg, Manitoba by Zoom through the Internet. Further in this edition, you will find an article by Lise Michaud Landry (1375), our secretary, relating the various steps of the day.
During our formal meeting, after the presentation of the various reports of the activities of our Association, along with the yearly financial statements, an election took place for three administration volunteers. Réal Michaud (1536) has accepted to renew his mandate and 2 new members decided to engage themselves in the administration council. They are André Paquet (1690) from Trois-Rivières who will become vice-president, and Sylvain Michaud (1677) from Boisbriand who will an administrator. Welcome in our team, and thanks to all.
We, of course, deplore our ex-president’s departure; Alain (1480) leaves the council after 10 years of loyal services as secretary, treasurer and president. Along with this last role, he was our webmaster and has exceptionally contributed to make our website more attractive. For this next year, he will remain in charge of the computer work. In your name and ours, accept, Alain, our big THANK YOU for all the hours consecrated to our Association des familles Michaud Inc. (AFMI).
Our New Brunswick administrator, Nelson Michaud (1320), has decided to leave us also. His engagement at the municipal level or his town, does not leave him enough time for AFMI. We did not have much time to know him properly, but we wish to offer our recognition for all the work he did for our organisation.
Volunteering for any organism requires time and energy to accomplish the tasks we have to do. This is why I am very grateful towards those who accept to offer a few hours to push forward the Association’s dossiers. Thanks for your generosity. Thanks for the time offered and thanks for your competence or knowledge.
Through this document, let me thank you for your confidence towards me by re-electing me. I accepted because I truly believe in the council team and because I know I can count on each one of them.
To all our members, I wish you a great year full of hope and happiness, in the expectancy of our next annual meeting in 2024.
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 29, no 3, From the president (December 2016)
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
In the last Brelan’s edition, we issued the 2015-2016 activity report underlining our projects for the present year. I was then asking for your help and comments to push these projects forward and at- tain their realisation. One question burns my lips nowadays: Do our members read our bulletin Le Brelan? This question arises from the fact that neither our secretary nor your president have not received any comments what so ever regarding our Association’s survival.
For example...on page 7 of the said edition, we launched an enrol- ment contest offering two 100$ prizes to be given at our 2017 general meeting. This contest is open to all members of our Association. So far, the answer is not encouraging. You have until March 31st, 2017 to participate. I am giving you a suggestion, why not offer an enrolment to one or many members of your own family as a Christmas gift? It would be a two way win, your gift will allow our Association an increase in our membership.
On the same page, Isabelle, our chief redactor, announced that we were looking for someone willing to take this position in her place. Yet, no positive answer has been received. In the activity report, I stated that we were thinking of creating a redacting committee for the pursuit of our Brelan, nobody stood up so far. Will we continue publishing our bulletin? Should nobody shows up with texts or articles to be included in our Brelan? What should we do?
Nowadays, we are living important interrogations on the survival of many family associations. Fédération des Associations de familles du Québec is also thinking seriously on its own role, as well as the services it offers to the family associations. Moneywise, the Government used to help the federation but recently this help has been partly cut; therefore the Federation’s administration council has to consider how it will help the family associations. As we speak, they have decided to cancel the exhibition that usually takes place in February. What other services will they choose to abolish? They will continue their study over winter and in the Spring, they will hold their annual meeting and we shall then be informed adequately.
With all these questions in mind, I may seem to be very pessimistic; it is not quite the situation; I am really looking for solutions so that you will be proud to be a part of a very vivid association. On my part, I am very proud to be a Michaud and to be a member of an association like ours. However, the Administrative Council’s members cannot do everything and do need your participation. Can we count on you as privileged cooperators? If so, give us a call and we will very happy and proud to work with you, even for a few hours from time to time.
On a cheerful note, I extend wishes to us all, your family and friends as well as us from the Association des Familles Michaud. Let’s have a great Christmas period as well as a 2017 year full of great dreamed realisations.
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 29, no 2 (Septembre 2016) From the president
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
The Last June, nearly 50 people attended the gathering of our association in Rimouski. It was a very enjoyable and interesting meeting as much by the content as by where we had the pleasure to see each other again. Congratulations to Alain, our Secretary who put a lot of time and energy to prepare a program of activities that pleased the greatest number of participants. More details of this weekend to read in this newsletter.
At the annual meeting, in addition to share the report of activities as well as the financial report, there was an election. Réjean Landry, who held the position of Treasurer for 6 years, advised us that he did not want to renew its mandate and Charlaine who was elected as 2nd Vice-President last year, decided to leave the board by lack of time to perform this function. I would like, on behalf of all members, to thank them for all the time they have given to Michaud’s association. I also want to thank Lise Michaud-Landry who served as President ex-officio during the past year. We welcome the arrival of Gaétane Michaud # 1504 of Rimouski who will hold the position of Treasurer. As no other nominated candidate did accept to fulfill the position at the board , the Assembly gave the Board members the task of recruiting and to find the gem who will fill the vacancy.
Finally, here are the projects that will surely occupy several of our days.
- We want to work on reforming of our by-laws. They must conform to the Companies Act.
- Emphasis will be placed on recruitment so that more people know about the association and can attend next year’s meeting.
- We will also prepare a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the AFMI. This celebration will be held simultaneously as the next annual meeting.
- We are always looking for collaborators for writing texts for our newsletter Le Brelan. Let us know your interest and we would be pleased to welcome you to the team.
Thank you all for your participation and your cooperation and we look forward to see you soon.
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 29, no 1 (Avril 2016) From the president
From to president Madeleine-Dubé Michaud :
Although Spring is just around the corner, we must already think about Summer. Why? To get ready for our forthcoming Michaud meeting. You already know that this meeting will take place early June in Rimouski. Who says “meeting” means a reunion of people exchanging and discussing common subjects. Needless to say that the invitation is launched to all those proudly bearing the name MICHAUD, but also to all those being related to some Michauds, or being interested by their history or origin.
The meeting schedule is enclosed in the present edition of the Brelan and we wish that many of you will participate in this gathering. As a member of our Association, you may make the difference on the number of participants by inviting one or two relatives who are not yet members to join us for the scheduled week-end.
It will be a great occasion to connect or reconnect with cousins or friends, and meet new Friends. The more we will be, we have more fun.
In the previous edition, I talked about the pride to be a member of Association des Familles Michaud. I also asked for your suggestions to increase our membership. I am still awaiting your ideas. Whatever your idea is fantastic, original, or else, do not hesitate to transmit it to us.
Your administration Council will consider its realisation and if so, apply it. Once more, I count on You to make our Association a great family where it will be most agreeable to entertain this family pride.
To conclude, I wish to thank all volunteers who accepted to spend time at our stand during the Fédération des Associations de Familles’ exhibition in Lévis in February. Special thanks to Isabelle and Réal who organised our stand and the precious time they spent there..
This event promotes our associations and visitors deeply appreciate the exchanges they have with family representatives.
To all of you, I wish a fantastic Spring season. I am already looking forward to meet you in Rimouski.
Madelaine Dubé-Michaud, president (1585)
Le Brelan, vol 28, no 1 (Avril 2015) From the president
For one of the last times, it is with great joy that I sit down to have a moment with you and inform you of what is cooking in our Association. I hope that this chronicle will warm your heart after the harsh winter we have had. This winter was probably similar to those Marie and Pierre lived in their modest and rather cold house by the sea. However, I imagine that in their growing family life, among their young and not always behaved children, one could find warmth and understanding.
Concerned about the decrease in our membership and about the departure next June of two Administration Council members, a few members recently raised questions about the functioning of the Council and about the actions it intends to take in the near future.
I wish here to reassure you, dear members, by telling you that the present Administration Council puts its whole-hearted efforts into conducting adequately our Association, following the rules and constitution established by our founders, and with the very same spirit and enthusiasm.
In order to cope with the needs of our changing world, we have up-dated some of our practices. For example, all the Michaud families genealogical data contained in the 2007 "Répertoire" is now available on a USB Key which is regularly updated. If we were to put our "Répertoire" up to date, more than 5000 pages would be necessary, and the editing and sales costs of course more than multiplied. The production of a key is feasible at a fraction of the cost. On that topic, Raynald does a marvellous job, reporting to the treasurer when necessary.
Every occasion is good to promote our Association. We have tried to form an enlarged promotion committee, without result, those invited to form it, declining the offer. Even the invitation launched in our Brelan remained unanswered.
The organization of the Annual General Meeting is the Administration Council's responsibility but the local representatives help a lot. In St. Agatha in 2014, Albertine has put many efforts in it.
Next June 6 and 7, our Annual General Meeting will take place in Quebec City. Thanks to Isabelle, we will have a superb assembly (see details farther in this edition). Every one of our members is expected to participate! It will be an excellent occasion to fraternize and meet newcomers. Cultural events will also take place.
During this very important meeting, elections will take place as the President's and first Vice-President's terms will end in June.
From the bottom of my heart, I convey you to this friendly and important meeting.
On behalf of the Administration Council,
Lise Michaud Landry (no 1375),
President
Le Brelan, vol 28, no 2 (Juillet 2015) From the president
My last column! I am overwhelmed by a strange feeling while sitting down to write it. For the last ten years, at each Brelan’s issue, it was with great pleasure that I tried to inform you of what was cooking in our Association.
And yes, life goes on carrying so many good things!
On June 6th, 2015 in Quebec City was held our Annual General Meeting. Some twenty-five people attended. Among those, two ex-Presidents, Vincent from Quebec City, and Jean from Sept-Iles. We also met two newcomers, Réal and Charlaine from the Québec area, and many “regulars”, among them Lauréat from Laurierville, and Jean from St-Quentin, New Brunswick. Many others were also present, including the members of our Administration Council, and Andrée, layout editor of Le Brelan since 2011. Such good and nice people!
Frankly, I questioned myself prior to this meeting. I was rather afraid that we would not find replacement for the President and first Vice-President, Raynald and I having decided to leave the AFMI ship. I have to confess that I was so wrong to question myself. In fact, when the election took place, Réal and Charlaine accepted to jump aboard. Once the election was over, the new Executive Council met and here are the results of their deliberation:
- Madelaine Dubé Michaud is now President (she was second Vice-President).
- Réal Michaud is first Vice-President.
- Charlaine Michaud becomes second Vice-President.
Congratulations! For their great generosity, I thank them from the bottom of my heart in the name of all our members and mine also. With you, our Association will go further.
The treasurer also presented the financial statement for the year ending March 31st, 2015. Although there is a slight deficit of 55$, our finances are in good health. Thank you Réjean!
In recognition for Raynald’s great work during the past six years, we offered him a very nice pen engraved with his initials. Many thanks Raynald for your contribution. And to Andrée, who will no longer edit the layout of Le Brelan, we offered a few pages... a nice note book that will enable her to mark down her thoughts or souvenirs. Thanks Andrée!
I have to talk about the tribute I received after lunch Saturday. Andrée read a fantastic document, written by her of course (see pp. 12 to 15, Le Brelan, july 2015). She related the different events which occurred during my presidency. I was also offered a few meaningful souvenirs. I was deeply moved by such consideration; my tears were also very sincere.
In 2005, I attended my first General Meeting. Then, I could not imagine that I would get deeply involved for so many years. I was elected first Vice-President, replacing Julien. However, while our President was ill, I had to act as President. In 2006 in Kamouraska, I was elected President, re-elected in Edmundston in 2009, and in Quebec City in 2012. I have never regretted my engagement in our Association.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank the members of the first Administration Council I presided. Julien, Louis, Magdeleine, Claire, Blandine, and Jean-Eudes showed the way, and encouraged me a lot.
AFMI brought me great satisfaction. Of course, I would have liked to do more, such as visiting the Michauds of all regions but, as we say “No one is bound to do the impossible”. However, at all the various meetings, either with the administrators, the Annual Meetings, or on other occasions, I have always appreciated meeting with those attending. I will alway cherish those memories.
The most important thing the Association has given me is the pride to carry the name MICHAUD. Of course, I am my father’s proud daughter; but bearing the name is now so precious to me. I am so proud.
Many thanks to all. You have given me the chance to meet so many marvellous people. Thanks to the Administration Council team for your friendship and camaraderie.
Lise Michaud Landry (no 1375),
ex President
Le Brelan, vol 27, no 2 (Octobre 2014) From the president
Once again, here we are at the start of a new year with plenty of work to be done!
During the Summer, we prepared our Annual General Meeting which was held on August 16 at Lakeview Restaurant in St. Agatha, Maine, as part of the Worldwide Acadian Congress and on the day of the Michaud Family Reunion.
On account of the large number of English-speaking people, we conducted this meeting in French and English and I believe that our American members appreciated our gesture. Our summary of events and financial reports were presented and approved. Further on in this Brelan issue, you will find these reports.
Some thirty people attended and participated actively in the reunion and others joined us for the Friendship Brunch. Many thanks to Albertine Michaud Ouellet from Madawaska, our local representative, for her involvement in organizing this event. We were also made aware that our Brelan is an essential link with our members; Sylvia even mentioned that she can read it wherever she is in her home.
Of course, we talked about the decrease in our membership. Rod Murphy, Jean Michaud's husband, made many suggestions and since the reunion, he has been busy working on them. I cannot say more on the subject since it is has to be submitted to the members of our Administration Council at the meeting scheduled for October 18 in Quebec City.
After the brunch, we joined the large Michaud Reunion organized by Bernard and his team on the site of the St.Agatha Catholic Church and for which more than 700 Michauds had registered. I do not know if they all showed up, but one thing is sure, those present warmed the atmosphere in the Church Hall!
We held a stand which was visited by many participants. Charles, Andrée Michaud's husband, acted as genealogist and he had numerous requests for his services. Many thanks, Charles!
Our promotional items - booklets, ballpoints, calendars, etc, were a great success. In fact, our sales
at the end of the day amounted to around 600$. Our thanks go to Andrée, Charles, Suzanne, Raynald and Réjean who took charge of our stand. Radio-Canada Acadie (CBC French Network) reported on the activities of the day. This report can be viewed on "Radio-Canada Acadie - Téléjournal Acadie du 17 août". An interesting report by Mr. Serge Bouchard from Radio-Canada Acadie. Thank you, Mr. Bouchard.
This new year will be very demanding for all. The decrease in our membership will be at the heart of our action. And not to forget, this will be election year for the following positions on the Administration council: president, first vice-president and secretary. We need young people with modern ideas to pursue the Association's future goals.
I wish to point out the duties of the Administration Council members (always in their own possible ways):
- Attend the Council meetings, two of them usually taking place in Quebec City, in October and February.
- Participate in the December telephone conference.
- Attend the Annual General Meeting.
- Conduct the various dossiers agreed upon at the Council meetings.
Between our meetings, as necessary, we communicate by phone or internet.
We are also looking for local representatives for the Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Trois-Rivières areas and others regions of Quebec and the Maritimes.
Eventually, a replacement for the position of genealogist will be needed.
I wish to invite you to respond to this request. On the back page of this Brelan, you will find all the names, email addresses and phone numbers of those presently in office. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Until then, in the name of your Administration Council, I wish you a very colourful Fall season, in your own nature sites and in your hearts.
On behalf of the Administration Council,
Lise Michaud Landry (no 1375),
President
Le Brelan, vol 27, no 1 (Mars 2014) From the president
With great pleasure, on behalf of the Administration council and the editorial team, I offer you this new edition of the Brelan.
You will notice the very new modern colourful cover page inviting you to read its content.
You will also notice that our coat of arms is well in evidence. Created during our pioneer's mandate, our coat of arms will always appear, publication after publication, in order to honour and thank them.
Our Association's current big event is needless to say the Annual General Meeting. This year, in a spirit of solidarity, we have decided to accept an invitation from the Acadian World Congress by participating in this particular day devoted to all Michauds, and organized by Bernard Michaud, on August 16, 2014 in St. Agatha, Maine. I would be very proud to see many of us attend.
On Saturday August 16, our Annual General Meeting will take place, followed by a Friendship Brunch. After the Brunch, we will joint the Michaud gathering.
Followed a well established tradition, our Association hosted a stand during the Salon du Patrimoine Familial on February 21, 22 and 23 in Québec City. Many thanks to Jean-Eudes who organized it and to the volunteers who joined him for the occasion.
And we have more good news: our devoted secretary Alain has created a new website, more modern and more accessible. Take a good look at www.famillesmichaud.org Many thanks, Alain, for your generosity. Our thanks also go to Jean-Claude who since 2006 has looked after our site.
At the Administration Council, we have noticed an important reduction of our membership. Of course, deaths and illnesses of members somehow explain this situation. However, I ask you, dear members, to propose to the younger generations the benefits of joigning our Association. We know nonetheless that many Michauds are curious about their genealogy. Therefore, I rely on you to promote our Association and I thank you in advance.
I wish here to thank warmly our Brelan's editing team, Isabelle Deblois-Michaud and Andrée Michaud, who devote so many hours to every edition of the Brelan. Well done girls!
To conclude, let's get together at our General Assembly next August 16th.
On behalf of the Administration Council,
Lise Michaud Landry (no 1375),
President
Le Brelan, vol 26, no 3 (Décembre 2013) From the president
Fall was already with us in this early October as your Administration Council held its first meeting on October 5th, in Quebec City. Main issues facing us were brought up and discussed, making this meeting very fruitful.
To those I met at our annual meeting last June 1st, I wish to tell that I am now in good health, and it is with enthusiasm that I undertake this new year.
Through this column, I wish to share with you all the emotions I experienced during the trip to our ancestor's land which Réjean and I went on.
We left Montreal on August 21st to land six and a half hours later in Nantes, France. At the airport we were welcomed by Daniel Michaud, life member of our Association. What a warm welcome it was. Daniel then took us to L'Orbrie, a Fontenay-le-Comte suburb, Fontenay-le-Comte being Pierre Micheau's native city, as well as Daniel's.
Daniel and his wife Marie-France welcomed us with open arms in their stylish house, surrounded by magnificent trees. We felt right at home.
This same day at 3.00 p.m., 1 joined a guided tour hosted by Mrs Marie-Gabrielle Girouard. During this very interesting visit, I learned a lot of information on this town where our ancestor Pierre was born and where he grew up until his departure for Nouvelle-France in 1656, as well as on Notre-Dame Church where he was baptized.
During this guided tour, I met Father Jean-Claude Michaud, Daniel's brother, who is President of Les Michaud of France. I also met Joël, Daniel's brother and his wife Annick, as well as Marie-Noëlle, widow of Christian, Daniel's third brother. Fantastic people with whom I had great pleasure talking.
Once the tour was over, we went to Fontenay's town hall for the unveiling of a plaque recalling our ancestor Pierre. Father Jean-Claude shortly entertained us on the history of the friendship between France's Michauds and Quebec's ones, which goes back to 1954.
Then, along with Fontenay's Deputy Mayor Hugues Fourage, and Father Jean-Claude, I unveiled this magnificent plaque, and read what was engraved on it.
Then I added the following:
« I have insisted that this plate include facts about Marie Ancelin, because the country where I come from was not built by the sole men's strength, but aslo the so very important one of its women ».
The plaque is fixed on a stele installed outside the town hall in a small garden where grow nice flowers. On this stele is also fixed a plaque honouring Marie Rousseau, a Fontenay-le-Comte native who once in Nouvelle-France married Charles Jobin in 1677. Charles Jobin for whom it was a second marriage, is the ancestor of all American Jobin.
Once the plaque was unveiled, the Municipality hosted us with the honour wine, during which I pronounced a short allocution, somewhat emotional.
To the twenty people attending, with great pleasure I offered the AFMI pin, and at the request of Father Jean-Claude, I gave its explanation.
I wish here to recall that all costs concerning the buying of the plate and its engraving where assumed by Fontenay-le-Compte's Municipality which I warmly thanked.
Walking on Georges-Clémenceau Street, an imperative stop was made at « Michaud Chausser », a shoe store operated by four generations of Michauds for the past 99 years, from Daniel's grandfather to his own son Olivier today: a very nice store.
Back to L'Orbrie, a very nice reception awaits us prepared by Marie-France. The gathering includes Mr Christian Cardinaux, Association Vendée-Québec's president and his wife, Messrs. Jean-Paul Macquoin, Jean Micheau, Bernard Ducept, all very interesed by genealogy and history. Also attending were Marie-France and Daniel's son Olivier along with his wife Patricia, and their children Garence and Calixte. Mrs Isabelle Beaussy, genealogist, her husband Christophe and their daughter are also part of the group. What a nice celebration! Everyone is so interesting to listen to, and takes interest in my humble sayings concerning our history, our Association as well Réjean's ancestors, the Landry.
Association Vendée-Québec offered us a magnificent pottery dish recalling their 25th anniversary in 2013 and « Les Michaud de France » offered us a wonderful book on Fontenay-le-Comte origins, its architecture and all. From the bottom of our hearts, many thanks!
Once the celebration was over, carried by my multiple emotions, I cannot help recalling the numerous events of this fantastic day for which I am deeply grateful.
The following day is Friday and I accompany Marie-France for a visit at Nieul sur l'Autise for a tour of the local Abbaye, and the house of Duchess Anne de Bretagne's daughter - a great story! In our ancestors' homeland, history is at every street corner, and history as told by Marie-France is delicious, she is an eminent historian. Thanks Marie-France! Father Jean-Claude joins us for supper, and everyone enjoys the conversation.
Saturday, Réjean, now feeling better, Daniel and I go to Fontenay for a short city tour, from the local Saturday market to the town hall and Notre-Dame church where stands the plaque recalling the trip that took place in 1990 by many members, directed by Françoise Michaud Dufresne whom Daniel calls « our older sister ».
We also had the privilege and joy to consult Daniels's photo albums in which we can find many snapshots of Françoise, Claire, Rosaire, Colette, Blandine and many others always very warmly recalled by Marie-France and Daniel.
During the afternoon, both couples enjoy a ride on the various channels of the Marais Poitevin.
After an early supper, we travel to Puy-du-Fou to enjoy a Light and Sound Show recalling Vendée's history since the French Revolution in 1789. We are moved by the stories of the wars, many of them religious, and most deeply by the two Great Wars, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, which we remember or have heard of. At he end of the show our tears leave us speechless. It will take a few minutes before we can express our appreciation but also our acknowledgement of the sufferings of Vendée's people through the years. What a magnificent show!
Sunday morning, we attend mass at Notre-Dame, mass concelebrated by Father Jean-Claude Michaud; with great honour and thanks, I accept to read the second scripture. Imagine, I am reading in this church where Pierre Micheau was baptized!
After a delicious lunch given by Father Jean-Claude at Hôtel Le Rabelais, we leave for Brouage, Champlain's native place and make a few discoveries, for example this small chapel where, on a marble plate, we can read that Samuel de Champlain prayed en 1629 after his return to France. Many of the chapel's stained glass windows were donated by the Government of the Province of Quebec.
Then we head on to La Rochelle, where our ancestor and many others embarked to travel to Nouvelle-France. Its three towers are very impressive. However, as weather got rain, we returned to l'Orbrie.
Monday, departure time has come. Daniel takes us back to Nantes where we will take our rented car. With tears in our eyes, we say goodbye to Marie-France and Daniel.
I wish here to pay tribute to our hosts Marie-France and Daniel. They are exceptional hosts, full of generosity, attention and commitment; we will never thank them enough. We have created strong and lasting ties together and my greatest wish is that in return, we will have the opportunity to welcome them at home.
I hope that you appreciate my story as much as I was pleased to write it.
Lise Michaud Landry, President (no 1375)
Le Brelan, vol 26, no 3 (Décembre 2013) Mot de la présidente
Monsieur Automne est déjà bien installé en ce début d'octobre alors que votre conseil d'administration a tenu sa première rencontre de l'année le 5 octobre à Québec. Cette rencontre a été fort fructueuse puisque nous y avons discuté des grands enjeux auxquels l'AFMI est confrontée.
Pour ceux que j'ai rencontrés le 1er juin dernier lors de notre assemblée générale, je me permets de souligner que ma santé est revenue au beau fixe et que j'entreprends cette nouvelle année avec enthousiasme.
Par ce billet, je désire partager avec vous les très belles émotions vécues lors du voyage que Réjean et moi avons effectué au pays de notre ancêtre commun Pierre Micheau.
Nous avons quitté Montréal le 21 août en soirée à destination de Nantes en France. Nous attendait à l'aéroport local Daniel Michaud, membre à vie de notre Association. Quel chaleureux accueil! Puis direction L'Orbrie, en banlieue de Fontenay-le-Comte, ville natale de Pierre Micheau, de même que celle de Daniel.
Daniel et son épouse Marie-France nous ont reçus à bras ouverts dans leur coquette maison, entourée de magnifiques arbres. Nous nous sentions comme chez nous.
À 15 heures, ce même jour, je participais à une visite de Fontenay-le-Comte, guidée par madame Gabrielle Girouard, visite fort intéressante pendant laquelle j'ai appris une foule de renseignements sur cet endroit où naquit notre ancêtre Pierre, à Notre-Dame où il a été baptisé et où il a grandi avant de s'embarquer en 1656 vers la Nouvelle-France.
Pendant ladite visite, j'ai fait la connaissance de l'abbé Jean-Claude Michaud, président des Michaud de France et frère de Daniel, Annick son épouse de même que Marie-Noëlle, veuve d'un troisième frère de Daniel. Des gens formidables avec qui j'ai eu grand plaisir à échanger.
Une fois la visite terminée, nous voici à la mairie pour le dévoilement d'une plaque en l'honneur de l'ancêtre. M. l'abbé Jean-Claude prend la parole pour rappeler brièvement l'historique de l'amitié entourant les Michaud de France et ceux du Québec, laquelle remonte à 1954.
Puis accompagnée de monsieur Hugues Fourage, député-maire de Fontenay-le-Comte et de l'abbé Jean-Claude, j'ai dévoilé cette magnifique plaque. Une fois dévoilée, j'ai lu à haute voix le texte qui y est gravé et me suis permise d'ajouter ceci:
« J'ai insisté pour que l'on parle de Marie Ancelin sur cette plaque car le pays d'où je viens ne s'est pas bâti avec la seule force des hommes mais aussi de celle, ô combien importante, des femmes. »
La plaque en question est apposée sur une stèle installée à l'extérieur de la mairie dans un petit jardin orné de jolies fleurs. Sur cette même stèle, y est aussi apposée une plaque honorant Marie Rousseau, native de Fontenay-le-Comte qui, une fois rendue en Nouvelle-France, a épousé Charles Jobin en 1677. Charles Jobin, dont c'est le second mariage, est l'ancêtre de tous les Jobin d'Amérique.
Une fois la plaque dévoilée, la municipalité nous offre le vin d'honneur. À ce moment, je prononce une courte allocution, parfois empreinte d'une émotion bien sentie. À la vingtaine de personnes présentes, avec grand plaisir, je remets l'épinglette de l' AFMI et, à la demande de l'abbé Jean-Claude, j'en explique la signification.
Je rappelle ici que les frais encourus pour l'achat et la gravure de la plaque ont été assumés par la Mairie de Fontenay-le-Comte que j'ai remerciée chaleureusement.
Déambulant sur la rue Georges-Clémenceau, arrêt obligatoire au magasin « Michaud Chausseur », propriété depuis 99 ans de quatre générations de la famille de Daniel; un très joli commcerce!
Nous rentrons ensuite à l'Orbrie où nous attend une magnifique réception préparée par Marie-France, regroupant entre autres M. Christian Cardinaux, président de l'Association Vendée Québec, et son épouse, messieurs Jean-Paul Macquoin, Jean Micheau, Bernard Ducept, ces demiers fort intéressés à la généalogie et à l'histoire. Étaient également présents le fils de Marie-France et Daniel, Olivier, son épouse Patricia, et leurs enfants Garence et Calixte. Madame Isabelle Beaussy, généalogiste, son époux Christophe et leur fille sont également de la partie. Quelle agréable rencontre! Tous des gens intéressants à entendre et intéressés à mes modestes propos autant qu'à notre histoire, à notre association, aux ancêtres de Réjean, les Landry. Je me souviendrai longtemps de tous.
L'Association Vendée-Québec nous a remis une magnifique assiette à son effigie soulignant les vingt-cinq années d'existence en 2013 et l'Association des Michaud de France, un merveilleux volume sur Fontenay, ses origines, son architecture et j'en passe. Mille mercis à chacun du fond du cœur!
Une fois la réception terminée, portée par mes multiples émotions. je ne cesse de repasser dans ma tête tous les événements de cette magnifique journée pour laquelle je suis très reconnaissante.
Le lendemain, j'accompagne Marie-France à Nieul sur l'Autise pour visiter l'Abbaye locale et la maison de la fille de la duchesse Anne de Bretagne. Que d'histoire! Au pays de nos ancêtres, l'histoire est à chaque coin de rue et cette histoire racontée par Marie-France est délicieuse. elle est une historienne émérite. Merci Marie-France! Pour le souper, Jean-Claude se joint à nous et nous partageons de belles conversations tous ensemble.
Samedi. Réjean se portant un peu mieux, nous retournons avec Daniel à Fontenay pour un mini tour de ville, passant du marché traditionnel du samedi à la mairie puis à la magnifique église Notre-Dame où une plaque de notre Association est fixée au mur rappelant le voyage effectué en 1990 par plusieurs membres, dont Françoise Michaud Durresne que Daniel nomme « notre grande sœur ».
Nous avons aussi eu le bonheur de consulter les albums photos de Daniel clans lesquels on retrouve des photos de Françoise, Claire, Rosaire, Colette et bien d'autres dont Daniel et Marie-France nous parlent toujours affectueusement.
En après-midi, nos deux couples se rendent au Marais Poitevin pour « pagouiller » à travers les différents canaux qui le formenl.
En soirée, Marie-France et Daniel nous accompagnent au Puy-du-Fou pour un spectacle son et lumière rappelant l'histoire de la Vendée depuis la révolution de 1789. Guerres de religions entrecoupées de périodes de paix. Si les premières guerres nous touchent, celles du 20e siècle, 1914-1918 et 1939-1945, dont nous avons eu connaissance et entendu parler, nous émeuvent encore plus. Nos larmes à la fin du spectacle nous laissent sans voix, il faudra quelques minutes pour manifester notre appréciation mais aussi notre prise de conscience concemant les souffrances vécues par le peuple vendéen au cours des siècles. Quel magnifique spectacle!
Dimanche matin, nous assistons à la messe concélébrée par l'Abbé Jean-Claude Michaud; on me fait l'honneur de me demander de livrer la seconde lecture, j'en suis fort émue et reconnaissante. Imaginez lire dans cette église où Pierre Micheau a été baptisé!
Après un succulent brunch offert par l'Abbé Jean-Claude, nous prenons la direction de Brouages, la cité de Champlain et y faisons de belles découvertes, entre autres celle de cette petite chapelle dont une plaque de marbre rappelle que Samuel de Champlain y a prié en 1629 à son retour en France.
Nous nous dirigeons ensuite vers La Rochelle d'où notre ancêtre et bien d'autres se sont embarqués pour venir coloniser la Nouvelle-France. Les trois tours de La Rochelle sont fort imposantes. Malheureusement, ici la météo nous a fait faux bond et nous rentrons à l'Orbrie.
Lundi, l'heure du départ sonne. Daniel nous accompagne à Nantes où nous prenons notre voiture de location. Ce n'est pas sans une larme que nous nous quittons.
Je désire ici rendre hommage à Marie-France et Daniel. Ils sont des hôtes exceptionnels, grands de générosité et de disponibilité, nous ne les remercierons jamais assez. Nous avons tissé des liens que je sais durables et mon plus grand souhait est qu'à notre tour, nous puissions les accueillir chez nous.
J'espère que ce récit vous plaît autant qu'il m'a plu de le rédiger.
Lise Michaud Landry, présidente (no 1375)