The Native Peoples and Champlain

Map of the Distribution of the Aboriginal Populations
Reader's Digest/Detail

Without the help of the American Indians, Samuel de Champlain's plans would never have been realized. Exploring the country without the people who already lived in North America and knew the territory with its fauna and flora would have been impossible.

Indian Encampment on the Ottawa River, Ontario [ca. 1870]
National Archives of Canada/C-45487/Detail

Travel leads to fascinating encounters. Champlain became the liaison of the Huron and Algonquian Peoples. These often nomadic or semi-sedentary tribes lived in the territory the French were beginning to explore, knew this part of the country very well and were ready to show it to Champlain.

"One day our sons will marry your daughters," he predicted to the American Indians.

Indian Family Travelling by Canoe, Canada East, Quebec [ca. 1860]
National Archives of Canada/C-40205/Detail

As allies, Champlain and the American Indians traded goods.

Message from the ancestors…

"One should study to live peaceably with all men."
Tribal Law No. 121 of the Eastern Algonquin