After a childhood in Abitibi and a teenage year between Montreal and the Laurentians, Valérie moved to Quebec City, then Montreal to study theater. In 2012, she co-founded Théâtre Témoin, a touring production company. It was during a first tour of Haute-Gaspésie that she discovered the region, where she settled permanently the following year. It’s now been 11 years since she fell in love with the land and the people who live there.

Since arriving in Haute-Gaspésie, Valérie has been actively involved in various projects, attracted by “atypical” initiatives in agriculture, market gardening, and housing. It is by creating links with the community through various cultural projects that she broadens her commitment by joining various committees: that of the Chapelle du Cap, the foundation of a housing cooperative, the opening of a café, the municipal council, the Corporation de développement de La Martre and the LGBTQIAS2S+ committee of La Haute-Gaspésie.

Valérie is a driving force in the La Martre community, launching numerous projects to revitalize its surroundings. She opened a coffee shop seven years ago, which has become a must-visit for locals and those passing through! Her involvement in the La Martre lighthouse project has earned her the title of “Desperate Volunteer of the Year” for over three years. Wherever she goes, her boundless enthusiasm is used to support struggles related to cultural accessibility, heritage preservation, respect for living things, the defense of women’s rights, and so many other issues.

Always ready to lend a hand, Valérie works tirelessly to make her region a great place to live, gather, and thrive.

FAVORITE
“Our rivers. I won’t say more so as not to spoil the best spots, sorry. They are simply magical. Beavers live there. Ferns dance in them.” There are thrilling falls. Rare beauty to protect.”

Photo credit: C.B.F.