CHAPTER 3 HOW WAS THE CULTURE OF NEW FRANCE EXPRESSED? MR. WILSON – HISTORY 404 Dossier 2 – New France

Reminder… Once New France was established, its culture was basically an exact replica of its Mother Country – but this would invariably change over time. Eventually the culture of Les Canadiens would emerge through contact with the Amerindians and the explosion of the Fur Trade. The Catholic Church was probably the biggest cultural influence during those times, controlling education, hospitals, missions, parishes and of course – Religious Services. The Bishop was even a part of the politics!

Church and Society In the 17 th century, the political structure of France was a Monarchy granted by divine will. (What does that even mean???) Thus, the King and the Church were seen as one entity – the Church promoted the rule of the King and the King gave the Church authority over education (i.e.: it was a pretty good deal!) The Bishops tended to be French while the parish priests were mostly Canadian. As a result Catholic practice was imposed on the residents – fasting, holidays, daily prayers and of course – confession!

Church and Society In Francois of Laval was appointed by the Pope as the first Bishop of New France. His main focus was the Amerindians, controlling the Eau de Vie from the Fur Trade. His authority was undermined by the Gallicianism movement – but he did succeed in taxing the alcohol trade. However, he did create several parishes and the Grand Séminaire de Quebec for training new clergy.

Church and Education Education was specifically provided by the Religious community. Professions were not taught in school but by master craftsmen, and school was only available in places like Ville-Marie and Quebec. If you lived in the countryside – No school for you! However some rural parishes would be visited by traveling teachers or the local parish priest would hold classes a few times a week. But the main goal of these classes was to get kids to join the Seminary.

Church and Education Most inhabitants of New France only made it to about Grade 2. The majority of the population was illiterate, only the elite and some artisans knew hw to read and write. If you wanted to pursue further education, you either had to join the Seminary or go to France. As a result no real Canadian literature was produced, and most artistic productions came from France.

Truly Canadian Culture As New France and its inhabitants started to settle in to the Canadian climate and its geography, society began to adapt – especially through the Amerindian influence. Canadians adopted growing local vegetables (squash, corn and beans) as well as Amerindian means of traveling (canoes and snowshoes). Even family values started to mirror those of the Amerindians, with particular attention to how children were treated.

Truly Canadian Culture Independence became the norm, and the politicians of the colony started to adapt to this change in culture as well. Instead of imposing their “divine right” of the King over the population, governors started to see themselves like good fathers or the head of a large family.

Truly Canadian Culture This would eventually help create a population that was described as “industrious…handy with an axe; they make their own tools and utensils; build their own houses and barns…They love to hunt, navigate, travel and are more refined then their counterparts in France.”

Popular Culture Because everyone was illiterate, traditions were passed on orally – thus, most of the cultural remains from this period come to us in the form of songs. Storytelling, another Amerindian adaptation, was also very popular. Culture was passed on at social gatherings and celebrations. The most popular pass times were: playing cards, listening to stories, dancing (even though it was prohibited by the church) and the fiddle!

Reflect – In your common-place books… What “Canadian” traditions do you still follow? (Think of specific holidays, sports, food, music, etc.) What does it mean to you to be “Canadian?” What does it mean to you to be a “Quebecer?” If you had to describe a “Canadian” or a “Quebecer” to someone who had no idea what or where Canada was – what would you say?

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