Georges Duchesne est né à Mashteuiatsh. Son grand-père, Jean Duchesne, originaire de Baie Saint-Paul, arrive dans la communauté vers l’âge de 18 ans. Celui-ci cultive la terre l’été et l’hiver, il chasse et travaille dans des chantiers. George travaille sur la ferme familiale durant sa jeunesse. Son père décide de vendre la ferme lorsque ses enfants quittent le nid familial. À partir de 14 ans, Georges prend le chemin de la forêt pour travailler dans les chantiers, courir la drave et guider. Il peut ainsi subvenir aux besoins de sa famille.
GEORGES DUCHESNE (1916 – 1996)
Georges Duchesne was born in Mashteuiatsh. His grandfather, Jean Duchesne, was from Baie Saint-Paul and arrived in Mashteuiatsh at the age of 18. Jean Duchesne farmed in summer and in winter he hunted and worked in logging camps. George worked on the family farm when he was young. His father decided to sell the farm when the children left home. At the age of 14, Georges left to work as a logger, log driver and guide. This enabled him to provide for his family.