Histories of the Metis
Metis Culture and History 1647-1654
The Iroquois believed all Black Robes brought sickness and death, are evil witches not to mention responsible for raiding attacks on their people. More fundamental is the elimination of their historic trade networks.
1647 Rene Goupil and Father Hierosme Lalemant are captured by the Iroquois between Three Rivers and Kebec. Guillaume Couture escaped into the forest, but is soon captured.
1648 One thousand two hundred Iroquois assembled at the Ottawa River to winter around Lake Nipissing. The Wendat suspends the fur trade down the Ottawa River. The Ojibwa of Chequamegon Territory, however, continued to free trade to Montreal. The Iroquois had acquired 500 guns from the Dutch traders in the New York area. The Wendat at this time only had 120 guns from the French Traders. The Wendat ceased to respond to the urge for war by the Jesuits because they believed their Christianity and French associates would protect them.
On July 4, St. Joseph Mission northwest of Lake Simcoe, (that usually had a population of 2,000 people), sustained the first attacks by the Iroquois. They take 700 prisoners and kill the rest. The city was set on fire and burned for a day and night. Louis d'Ailleboust, Seigneur de Coulanges, on his return from France replaced Montmagny
1649 The Iroquois had completely routed the Wendat from their historic Montreal and Ottawa locations. March 16, at the trading village of Saint Louis, Wendat Chief Stephen (also Thomas according to TKTEKLA) Annaotaha, one of the bravest of the Wendat chiefs, warned the Jesuits Father Jean of Brebeuf (1593-1649) and Father Gabrial Lalemant's (1610 -1649) to leave before the Iroquois attack. Both these Jesuit War Lords are hand picked for their over zealous nature and willingness to lay down their lives for the Jesuit movement. They are captured tortured and killed as the Iroquois held them in great disdain.
The Iroquois believed all Black Robes brought sickness and death, are evil witches not to mention responsible for raiding attacks on their people. More fundamental is the elimination of their historic trade networks.
1650 Many of the displaced Wendat (Huron) and Ottawa people relocated near Ashland, Wisconsin in a stronghold of the Ojibwa Nation. It is highly likely this included many Metis who had lost their trade position of middlemen between the French and Ojibwa. The Wendat called the Ojibwa "Eskiaeronnon," meaning people of the falls (Sault Ste Marie). Lands east of Sault Ste Marie, the Centre of trade with the Northwest, is considered by the Ottawa as their preserve. The Ottawa is concerned that the French will bypass the Ottawa in trade with their cousins the Ojibwa.
1651 The Iroquois believed they had effectively cut the Wendat fur trade down the St. Lawrence River. The Ojibwa however continued to travel the waterways with impunity. The Coureurs de Bois and Metis also continued to operate by going out in small parties, and by using different routes to the Ojibwa source of supply.
New networks and partnerships establish the trade to near previous annual values. This adaptive strategy employed throughout the French trading period highlighted the flexibility of one of the worldŐs greatest trading empires. It would allow the French to adapt to the country and to Native culture and traditions.
1654 Two hundred fifty voyagers, (including Ojibwa), ventured to Quebec and excited 30 young Frenchmen into a voyage to the west to trade. Father Leonard Garreau (1609-1656) and Father Gabriel Druilletes are ordered to accompany the young men. The Iroquois killed Father Garreau and the party failed to reach the Ojibwa Nation.
On July 2, Father Simon Le Moyne, (1604-1665), a missionary living with the Wendat, journeyed to Iroquois country via the St. Lawrence River route. He is the first recorded Frenchman to travel this route due to the Iroquois threat.
On August 6, Pierre d'Esprit Radisson (1640-1710), and his brother-in-law, Medart Chouart (1618-1696), Medard Chouart (1618-1696) of Groseillier wintered at Green Bay. They explored the Fox River from May 1655 to June 1656.
On September 21, Father Mercier reports two free traders and a flotilla of canoes arrived at Sault Ste Marie from 400 leagues to the west. His major concern is the loss of trade for the Church. He strongly recommended 30 French be sent into this region to harvest the furs and souls. The Jesuits would encourage French exploration and trade for the next few years in an attempt to eliminate the Coureurs des Bois trade.