François He was an Arctic guide and interpreter who played an important role in exploration in that part of North America.
Beaulieu accompanied Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his overland trek to the Pacific in 1793. In 1820 he met Arctic explorer, John Franklin, and provided him with valuable information regarding a base camp on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake for his planned exploration to the mouth of the Coppermine River. (Franklin was unable to follow Beaulieu's advice, possibly resulting in the loss of life on that journey).
Beaulieu was the guide and interpreter on the second expedition from 1825–27 which was based at Fort Franklin on the west shore of Great Bear Lake. His knowledge and input into the planning and completion of this trip made it the most successful of its kind in the Canadian Arctic.
Beaulieu was well known as a chief as well. He and his followers settled at Salt River where he maintained a trade with the Hudson's Bay Company.
In 1848, 'Old Man Beaulieu' was baptized by Father Alexandre-Antonin Taché at Portage La Loche and became an active adherent to the Roman Catholic religion, dismissed two of his wives and spent much energy supporting the church.[1] Through marriage, he was a brother-in-law of Yellowknives chief Akaitcho.[2]
He died at Salt River, Northwest Territories in his 101st year, though still today, the date of his death is somewhat unsure.