Ville-Marie for all nations
At the moment of Ville-Marie's foundation, what is the status of the situation between French and the Amerindians on the island of Montreal and its surrounding areas? Since the primary objective of the founders is to evangelize the Amerindians, what will be the initial approach with those principally concerned?
The Relations, Official journal of the Jesuits, says that when Jacques Cartier arrived in 1534, he saw an imposing Indian village named Hochelaga, who warmly welcomed these "original Europeans". However, about 100 years later, the island was completely deserted, the wars between tribes having chased away all the inhabitants. It was, however, a strategic location from all points of view because it offered privileged access to all Amerindian nations of the country. The Iroquois Confederacy knew it and tried to control the area of he "great river" (The St. Lawrence). Wanting to protect their trade, they reigned as supreme masters and spread terror throughout all of New France along the river. They scared away other Amerindian tribes and the French who sought passage through the region.
Even in Quebec (Final refuge), one could no longer set foot outside to grow their garden without being threatened; a simple carelessness could cost one's life. The danger was so extreme that in the Annales des Augustines (Augustinian Chronicles) of Quebec, we wondered if the whole colony (especially Quebec and Three Rivers), should not return to France. In this context, it is not surprising that the governor of Quebec attempts to dissuade Maisonneuve to go and settle there. But he stood firm because he knew that Ville-Marie's project was beyond human views. His reply was, as you know, convincing and in October 1641 the Governor of Quebec (Montmagny), the head of the missions in New France (Barthélémy Vimont) and "several people well informed about the country" (including probably Amerindians used as guides) will go to explore the best location for future installations.
On May 17, 1642, the Montrealers officially arrived on the island.
It will only be on July 28, 1642, that the first group of Algonquins will spend some time in Montreal. They will be warmly welcomed. On August 15, they will attend the celebrations of the feast of the Assumption. The fervour of the French, expressed by songs, processions, instructions and the firing of cannons… so strongly impressed the Amerindian chief that he sought baptism for his son. Little Joseph, four years of age, will have as godparents, Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance.
The Iroquois will discover the existence of Ville-Marie only the following year. As of that moment, feeling very threatened in their trade, they will deliver a relentless territorial guerilla warfare in order to uproot the French. The Huron and Algonquin tribes still in danger of extermination will take refuge in the well-defended fort of Ville-Marie, especially seeking shelter for their wives and children, away from Iroquois threat. Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance welcomed them with all their heart and all became familiar with the Amerindian languages.
Life in the early days was so perilous that it was hard to view the future with optimism. Despite the hardships encountered, Ville-Marie will win the heart of Amerindians who will be conquered by the education provided by the French and by the protection and good medical care received during war attacks. Later, the island's reputation will grow and spread even among the former Iroquois of the Magdalene, a Jesuit foundation of 1667 who will want to get acquainted with the inhabitants of Ville-Marie and seek health care.
Catherine Jean
Article from the website Tendances et Enjeu (Trends and Issue), published on June 9, 2012, and adapted for this publication.
