The document summarizes chapters from The Jesuit Relations, which recounted interactions between Jesuit missionaries and Native American groups in New France (Canada) between 1632-1673. It describes the Jesuits' observations of the Montagnais people and their problem-solving practices. It also discusses the Hurons' spiritual beliefs and rituals, as well as their views on medicine, disease, and wars with neighboring tribes like the Iroquois that devastated their population.
2. Introduction…
The Jesuits were a religiously
affiliated group of well educated
men founded in 1534 by Ignatius
of Loyola
Jesuits involved themselves with
all known Native Americans of
the time.
Dedicating their time especially
to the Hurons, Iroquois,
Algonquins, and Montagnais
during their time of colonization.
Natives accepted the help and
influence of the French for many
reason new technologies, good,
and tool.
Several Natives converted to
Christianity at the persuasion of
the Jesuits.
3. Introduction…
Relations of the Jesuit
were published in
Paris bwtween1632
and 1673.
They recount the any
and all interactions
with the Natives
during the time of
colonization and their
efforts teach and
influence.
4. Chapter 1:
Montagnais Hunters of the Northern Woodlands
Father Le Jeune:
Convoyed with They had strong values unlike the
a band of
Montagnais into a colonized white man they were
hunt in 1633.
not interested in power or greed,
The journey was
long lasing until
but what would benefit or provide
the spring of 1634 pride for their tribe.
.
Jeune observed
Noting their impressive stature
the Native closely swift, tall, and agile.
and reported his
observations.
5. Chapter 1:
Montagnais Hunters of the Northern Woodlands
The Montagnais proved to
have a simplistic yet
impactful process of
problem solving.
With both adults and
children the act of giving
was implement instead of
punishment.
If someone was killed the
perpetrator was obligated
to provide gifts as
settlement for life to the
victims family.
During child altercations
the victimized child would
be presented a gift rather
then administering a
punishment to the wrong
doer.
6. Chapter 2:
Jean de Brebeuf on the Hurons
Huron devoted strongly to their spiritual beliefs. Dreams
were held at a very high importance often trumping reality.
Native Rituals included both sacrifices of praise and
American appeasement.
Hurons were Rule and council was very strict which was enforced by
those who their type of lawful system
tended to Murders were prosecuted on behalf of the entire family.
keep in
larger
groups and
who the
Jesuits
focused on
from 1634-
1649
7. Chapter 2:
Jean de Brebeuf on the Hurons
The Huron performed 4
main feasts:
The Feast of the Dead:
occurring only every twelve
years, mass burial of
villagers whom had
passed. Represented the
celebratory importance
and significance of the
immortal soul.
Farewells
Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Singing & Eating
Deliverance of a sick person
8. Chapter 3:
Medicine and Disease
The Jesuits
Spirituality had a role in most
noted that aspects of the Native life and
the Natives
help far
disease was no exception to this.
different If a tribe member fell ill it would
views on the
medicine mark the sign of a demon.
and disease
than those of
Shamans were individuals that were
the New sought after to help heal the ill.
World or the
Modern Baptism was sometime sought after
World of the to help heal as well.
time.
9. Chapter 3:
Medicine and Disease
Disease Outbreaks:
• 1637: Influenza
• Was believed by the
Huron to be caused
by the Jesuits who
were now inhabiting
their territory.
• 1639: Smallpox
• Left a devastating
amount dead further
leading the Indians to
question the Jesuits
further
10. Chapter 4:
Diplomacy and War
The ability After being in a truce with the French
for the for a couple years ideas began to
Europeans clash with the Algonquins and the
and the
Native Mohawks in 1647.
Americans Not even Jesuits could avoid the
to see eye to
eye was repercussions of war during the time
always more of colonization.
difficult than
not. When
there was an
understandin
g it was
surely short
lived.
11. Chapter 4:
Diplomacy and War
Following the problems
with the French the
Huron were also
targeted by the
Iroquois.
In conquering St.
Ignace, the Iroquois
focused on eliminating
the Hurons people as a
whole and in deed did
do so capturing women
and children while
wiping out the forces of
men.