Transatlantic Age Continued, Samuel de Champlain, Marie de l’incarnation, and the Destruction of Huronia

Canada was an interest in exploration and colonization because of the abundance of fishing grounds, furs, and spices. These were resources that could bring riches to individuals, and a nation as a whole. These resources were especially abundant in Newfoundland, where English explorer, John Cabot, ventured and attempted to settle. Cuper’s Cove was the first English settlement lead by John Guy, but proved to be difficult as resources eventually depleted, winters were harsh, and the Beothuk weren’t eager to trade furs. In the near future, Jacques Cartier ventured more south of Newfoundland and settled what eventually became New England.

Champlain is responsible for founding Quebec city (New France) in 1608, and Marie de l’incarnation held a significant role of developing this new nation. She was well known and liked within the Colony, and believed that she was fulfilling the will of God by educating and converting aboriginal children to Christianity and the society of the colonists. Marie de l’incarnation’s motivations of converting Indigenous children created significant conflicts between the Indigenous peoples and the new society, which ultimately divided and destroyed the Huronian culture. As the Huronians became divided in their beliefs, the tribe became scattered and the culture was damaged as some of the converted members reused to practice their traditional beliefs. The contact of the colonizers also brought disease to the Huronians which significantly decreased the population of the tribe.