Natives & Missionaries in Seventeenth-Century North America

Alexis Gibson

Introduction

The Jesuits were members of a religious order called “The Society of Jesus.”

Their main goal was to practice Christianity in an organized society while also spreading the gospel through the methods of evangelists.

They took vows to dedicate themselves to being obedient and living their lives through god.

Introduction Continued(Jesuit Activities)

The Jesuits participated in many activities which included education, literary and scientific activities, pastoral care, and overseas missions.

Education was taken very seriously, every Jesuit was a college teacher at some point

They were occasionally involved in French explorations.

Many of their journeys were documented in this book

Paul Le Jeune & the Montagnais

Most of the earliest publications were documented by Paul Le Jeune. The Montagnais lifestyle revolved around hunting and gathering. They lived in unappealing places such as the wetlands, around rocky

hills, rivers and lakes. Traded with the French Father Paul Le Jeune traveled with them in order to learn more about

their customs and try to teach them about the gospel. His journey was very difficult. He soon learned the hardships of these

people. He had to undergo starvation and uncomfortable climate conditions.

The Beliefs of the Montagnais Practiced a religion some refer to as “animism.” They believed that

animals along with natural phenomena had personalities and spirits that could help or harm them.

They also looked into their dreams for insight. Their ideas of the creation of the earth are as follows: *A certain being named Atahocam created the world. *Messou restored it after the great flood. (In correlation to Christian belief

of Noah’s arch) The story of Messou: A lake overflowed that covered the earth and

swallowed the world. Messou sent a raven to look for any piece of remaining land so that he could rebuild the earth. He was unable to find any and tried other ways. Finally he sent a muskrat which brought back a little Morsel which he used to rebuild the earth. Messou repopulated the world with this muskrat.

Another belief the Montagnais had was the absence of anger. Anger causes bitterness a feeling that the Indians liked to do without.

The Huron

Their language consisted of mostly vowels

The way they conjugated words made it very difficult to teach them prayers and other things.

They once knew of god but gave up the thought of him. Just as the Apostle Paul writes in the bible about once knowing and then disbelieving.

Some of their stories related somewhat to those of Christianity such as the story of Adam and eve and of the murder of Abel.

The Huron also looked upon their dreams for inspiration to do certain things.

Huron Law & Government

They lived in villages with many cabins Looked to the field for their food Visited neighbors often. If one were to fall ill it

would be a competition for the neighbors to prove who could provide for them the most.

There were daily councils held in the villages where people could address certain issues freely.

Some of their few laws included the punishment of murderers, thieves, traitors, and witches.

They never participated in war unless they had a very substantial reason.

Disease & Medicine

Europeans had immunity to most life threatening diseases, where as the Indians did not.

Jesuits beliefs: When someone fell ill the Jesuits focused more on the idea of god’s will and why

their life may be taken instead of how they developed a certain disease. Believed in prayer over medicine When someone was sick they were kept in isolation. Only visited by family and

close friends. Natives beliefs: Did many medical procedures When someone was sick they were kept in the middle of a busy environment.

Healing took the efforts of the whole community.

Francois Le Mercier & The Influenza Epidemic Of 1637 Many people suffered from the Influenza sickness. The Jesuits would bleed the ill to try and get rid of

the illness. Tonneraovanont was a famous sorcerer. He came to visit the sick French people in hopes to

restore their health in reward for other things. He made a speech telling them that he could heal

them in just a few days. The father superior told him that his practices were

unholy but instead asked him to teach them some natural remedies.

Diplomacy & War(Peace)

The main conflicts were between the Hurons, Algonquins, Montagnais, and the French.

An Indian named Kiotseaeton risked his life in order to establish peace within these countries. He traveled to three rivers to negotiate and better understand the others.

14 gifts were given by the governor to the Iroquois Peace was established and concluded.

War

War resumed in 1647.

The conflict began with a Huron missionary.

He was accused of killing several emissaries and a Jesuit with the use of evil magic.