THE JESUIT RELATIONS

Ashley Rubio

HIST 140

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.

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.

Chapter 1: Montagnais Hunters of the Northern Woodlands

Father Le Jeune:

Convoyed with a band of

Montagnais into a hunt in 1633.

The journey was long lasing until

the spring of 1634 .

Jeune observed the Native closely and reported his

observations.

They had strong values unlike the colonized white man they were not interested in power or greed, but what would benefit or provide pride for their tribe.

Noting their impressive stature swift, tall, and agile.

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.

Chapter 2:Jean de Brebeuf on the Hurons

Native American Hurons

were those who

tended to keep in larger

groups and who the Jesuits

focused on from 1634-

1649

Huron devoted strongly to their spiritual beliefs. Dreams were held at a very high importance often trumping reality.

Rituals included both sacrifices of praise and appeasement.

Rule and council was very strict which was enforced by their type of lawful system Murders were prosecuted on behalf of the entire family.

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

Chapter 3:Medicine and Disease

The Jesuits noted that the Natives

help far different views on

the medicine

and disease

than those of the New World or

the Modern World of

the time.

Spirituality had a role in most aspects of the Native life and disease was no exception to this.

If a tribe member fell ill it would mark the sign of a demon.

Shamans were individuals that were sought after to help heal the ill.

Baptism was sometime sought after to help heal as well.

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

Chapter 4:Diplomacy and War

The ability for the

Europeans and the Native

Americans to see eye to eye was

always more difficult than not. When there was

an understandi

ng it was surely short

lived.

After being in a truce with the French for a couple years ideas began to clash with the Algonquins and the Mohawks in 1647.

Not even Jesuits could avoid the repercussions of war during the time of colonization.

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.