Domitilde facts for kids

Domitilde Marie Kapeouapnokoue (1692–1782) was an important Odawa woman. She was also known by names like Ouikabe and LaFourche. Domitilde belonged to the Nassauakueton doodem, which is like a family group. Her father was Chief Returning Cloud Kewinaquot, and her mother was Nesxesouexite Neskes Mi-Jak-Wa-Ta-Wa. Her brother was Nissowaquet, a well-known leader.

Domitilde lived near Michilimackinac, a key trading post. At that time, the Jesuits (Catholic missionaries) had few converts there. Domitilde was one of the rare people who became a Catholic.

Domitilde's Family Life

In 1712, Domitilde married Daniel Villeneuve. He was a French Coureur de bois, which means a fur trader who traveled far into the wilderness. They had seven children together. These children were Métis, meaning they had both Indigenous and European heritage.

Sadly, Daniel Villeneuve passed away in 1724. Soon after, Domitilde married Augustin Langlade. They had a son named Charles Michel de Langlade in 1729. Charles later became a very famous military leader.

Domitilde as a Godmother

Domitilde became the godmother to many children and adults. She was a godmother to French, Métis, and Anishinaabe people. Being a godmother was a very important role in the community. It meant she helped guide and support these individuals.

Building Strong Connections

Domitilde's position was special because she was part of three important groups. She was a respected member of the Anishinaabe community. She was also a Catholic, which connected her to the French settlers. Finally, her family was deeply involved in the North American fur trade.

These connections helped her brother Nissowaquet and her son Charles. They allowed them to form strong alliances with different groups. Her marriages were especially important. This is because marriages between Anishinaabe and French people were not very common back then. These unions helped create peace and trade relationships.