The Native Peoples and Champlain: Religion

Faith was definitely important to Champlain, and he wanted to spread it throughout New France by inviting Jesuits and especially Récollets to carry out missionary work in the colony.

Crucifix and Ring that Were Part of the Second Habitation of Quebec, 17th Century
Canadian Museum of Civilization/S94-13271

Rings Found in Ontario. Souvenirs of Mission, 17th or 18th Century
Jean-Luc Pilon/Canadian Museum of Civilization

The following is a statement by Father Le Jeune, Father Superior of the Jesuits, about Champlain:

"The wise conduct and prudence of Mr. Champlain, governor of Quebec and the St. Lawrence River, honours us with his kindness, keeping each one of us in his service to ensure our words and our sermons are well received…"

Oldest Church in America, Tadoussac, Quebec
National Archives of Canada/PA-61667

Some Amerindians were interested in the Catholic faith, but most of them continued to follow the religion of their ancestors, based on nature. Dreams are a part of their belief system, allowing them to predict the future and revealing how to react in certain crucial situations, such as during a war.

Message from the ancestors…

"When sickness or infirmity or the reverse of fortune affect us, the sincerity of friendship is found." Tribal Law No. 28 of the Eastern Algonquin