In a recent episode of the “How We Got Here” podcast, Brian Nash spoke with Lisa Elvin Staltari of “Have Roots Will Travel” about the fascinating topic of French ancestry in North America. Lisa, who began exploring her own French-Canadian roots around 2021, shared her insights into the interconnected histories of French-Canadians, Acadians, and Cajuns, all descendants of France.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the Filles du Roi (King’s Daughters), women recruited and paid to populate New France. Lisa clarified common misconceptions, emphasizing their crucial role in the colony’s development. The video also delves into the dynamics of marriage and settlement, the close-knit nature of French-Canadian communities, and the challenges researchers face when tracing ancestry due to name variations and migration patterns.
For those looking to explore their own French-Canadian heritage, Lisa recommends valuable resources such as Généalogie Québec, Nos Origines, and WikiTree. Généalogie Québec, Nos Origines, and WikiTree.