The Jesuit Relations are a compilation of writings by Jesuit missionaries about their experiences with the Huron, Iroquois, and Algonquian peoples in New France in the 17th century. The relations provide detailed accounts of the native cultures and customs, interactions between natives and missionaries, and the spread of disease. They represent one of the most comprehensive records of indigenous life in northeastern North America during that time period.

1. Jesuit Relations Crystal Hawkins

2. Introduction Jesuits were members of the order of the Society of Jesus. They vowed to live lives of poverty and obedience, dedicating themselves to their religion. Nearly all Jesuit missionaries were college teachers at one point. The Society of Jesus was founded in 1534 by a former soldier.

3. Introduction Jesuit Relations, as a book, is a compilation of the writings of various Jesuits regarding their experiences among the Huron, Iroquois, and Algonquian. Their writings were detailed and thorough, though biased. The reports discuss everything from evangelical matters to disease and outbreaks of war.

4. Chapter One Father Paul le Jeune (1592 – 1664) was the author of the first published relation. His writing was spurred by his fascination with the native cultures and the way in which they interacted with nature. His goal among the native peoples was to improve his knowledge of their customs and language, as well as to further the reach of Christianity.

5. Chapter One Among the beliefs of the Algonquian peoples was that there were two gods, one who made the world, and a second who restored it. They also believed that everything, from trees to rivers to birds had a soul or spirit. Tradition forbade the punishment or chastisement of children. The laws of the Algonquian people often followed the laws of nature.

6. Chapter Two Jean de Brebeuf spent the majority of his time among the Huron. He noted that the Huron seemed to have no religion. Although some of their stories that he had translated seemed to bear a very strong resemblance to scripture. Because de Brebeuf spent so much time among the Huron, they became one of the best documented tribes, despite having barriers in the language.

7. Chapter Two One of the Huron stories that relates closely to a biblical story is that of a goddess, Aataentsic, who had two sons which, having quarreled, killed each other. This story resembles that of Cain and Abel. The Huron frequently visited and assisted each other in times of illness. The Huron had a council specifically for the purpose of keeping order and peace among various tribes.

8. Chapter Three Because of the detailed nature of the relations, there is a precise record of the nature and spread of various diseases, specifically Old World diseases brought by the missionaries and traders to the New World, on the native tribes. The Jesuits knew little of medicine but believed that native ways of curing disease were diabolical or satanic, despite the fact that native methods often did work. Natives believed that disease was not only physical, but also partly spiritual.

9. Chapter Three When native methods failed to cure the ailing, Jesuits used the opportunity to preach Christianity. Although many came to be baptized, it was often only when they came very near to death. Very rarely would Jesuits fall prey to native diseases, but even when they did, they almost never died at their cause. When a smallpox epidemic broke out in 1639, many Huron believed that the presence of the Jesuits caused their illness.

10. Chapter Four The Jesuit missions were often conducted under an atmosphere of tension, shifting alliances, and war between the native tribes. Frequently the French were involved in the tension and shifting of alliances. European weapons, got from trading with the French, did not aid the situation. Because of the frequency and voraciousness of the wars, the Jesuits called the natives “barbarians.”

11. Chapter Four Many wars were accompanied by many peace treaties. These treaties were often celebrated with feasts and ceremonies. Regrettably, peace was not long lasting. As the 17th century passed, aggressions were so intense as to cause the destruction of most of the Huron and Jesuits by the Iroquois. Eventually, French Canada would become the strongest power in the region.