Pauline Julien was a Quebec-born singer and activist who entered the world in Trois-Rivières. Her life partner was Gérald Godin, a fellow Trifluvian, poet, and provincial legislator who shared her commitment to Quebec sovereignty. As early as 1964, Julien was performing independence-themed songs in Montreal nightclubs. The following year, she took on hosting duties for Mon pays, mes chansons, a CBC television program. Her work with the CBC also included a creative partnership with pianist Herbert Ruff, with whom she recorded and appeared on the show On Stage.
During the October Crisis of 1970, both Julien and Godin were taken into custody, though they were freed after eight days with no charges filed. France honored her in 1994 by naming her a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. She also received the title of Chevalière de l'Ordre national du Québec.
After being diagnosed with a devastating brain condition, Julien ended her life in Montreal in early October 1998. Her story was later explored in a 2018 documentary titled Pauline Julien, Intimate and Political.
During the October Crisis of 1970, both Julien and Godin were taken into custody, though they were freed after eight days with no charges filed. France honored her in 1994 by naming her a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. She also received the title of Chevalière de l'Ordre national du Québec.
After being diagnosed with a devastating brain condition, Julien ended her life in Montreal in early October 1998. Her story was later explored in a 2018 documentary titled Pauline Julien, Intimate and Political.
