Cécile Girard 

Cécile Girardwas born in Chénéville, Québec and her family moved to Laval when Cécile was twelve. She studied history at the Université de Montréal and received a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts from the University du Québec in Montreal. She joined her sister in the Yukon 1981.((Angélique Bernard, “The Contributions of Yukon Francophone Women.” //Whats Up Yukon,// 26 February 2025.)) She started making wool batting stuffed dolls that she sold in Alaskan and Yukon shops.((“Cécile Girard, artist.” Association franco-yukonnaise, 2024 website: De filen histories: les personage d’un territoire – Stitches in Time: Yukon History Makers. De fil en histoires))

Cécile created the Yukon francophone flag in 1986. She worked with others to establish La Gardierie du petit cheval blanc daycare and chaired the first board of directors. She was director and editor of //l’Aurore boréale// newspaper from 1988 to 2013. She co-authored //Un Jardin sur le toit,// wrote and illustrated //J’ai mis tes mocassins// (1993), and co-authored the play //Un Boulet poids plume// for the Health Community Network.((Angélique Bernard, “The Contributions of Yukon Francophone Women.” //Whats Up Yukon,// 26 February 2025.))

In 2017, Cécile led the De fil en histoires/Stitches in Time doll project. She is a member of the La bête à cinq têtes artist collective that presented the exhibition //La Chasse-galerie// [The Flying Canoe] at the Yukon Arts Centre in 2023.((Angélique Bernard, “The Contributions of Yukon Francophone Women.” //Whats Up Yukon,// 26 February 2025.))In retirement, Cécile  returned to her first love, making her beautiful stuffed dolls.((“Cécile Girard, artist.” Association franco-yukonnaise, 2024 website: De filen histories: les personage d’un territoire – Stitches in Time: Yukon History Makers. De fil en histoires))

In honour of her community work, Cécile Girard was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal.((Angélique Bernard, “The Contributions of Yukon Francophone Women.” //Whats Up Yukon,// 26 February 2025.))