Samuel de Champlain “Father of New France”

He would initially establish a settlement at Port Royal, the first permanent French settlement in present-day Nova Scotia, Canada

Through several explorations, he established Quebec City, which he would spend much of his life fortifying as his habitation.

His colonists originally numbered 28, but smallpox and extreme winter weather reduced the number to 8 within a year.

He founded “The Order of Good Cheer” to keep spirits high during the long winters.

He allied with the Huron and Algonquin natives to protect his interests against the Iroquois.

The Iroquois, although a brave and mighty nation, were no match against the European “arquebus”.

During one encounter, Champlain fired his arquebus, killing 2 Iroquois in one shot. This would darken the tone between the Europeans and the Iroquois for the next century.

Why Ally with the Hurons? Great traders Prosperous Champlain could use their trading connections good geographic location (close to good fishing area, good farming, many resources), good knowledge of area

Champlain was given the title “lieutenant” and with it powers to make treaties, wars and exploit the area for financial gain.

At the age of 40, he married 12-year old Helene Boulle.

Eventually alliance with Hurons would cause the Algonkians and Montagnais to turn against him and they kidnapped him also angry at Christian missionaries sent to convert Aboriginals to Catholicism when he was let go, he establish the Company of a Hundred Associates which Cardinal Richelieu (most powerful man in France) supported, Given a monopoly of the fur trade in exchange for encouraging settlers to come to Canada. His actions would help establish the first permanent French Settlement, New France.