Great Chief* Donnacona (1480's - 1539)
Imagine Chief* Donnacona's surprise when he discovered explorer Jacques Cartier with his big ship arriving in the Bay of Honguedo in 1534 (Now Bay of Gaspe, Province of Quebec)
Donnacona, Iroquoian of the Hochelaga river's valley, Chief* of Stadacona (Now Quebec city) was far from home on an annual ocean fishing trip. An incredible 700 km canoe ride down the St. Lawrence river, if you visualize...
Donnacona will meet with the European and test the waters for possible business opportunities
Shortly after the meeting, Cartier decide to kidnap Donnacona's two sons and to take them to France
A good first impression is always important...
A year later, Cartier returns with Donnacona's two sons who were ecstatic about their trip to France. Discovering an interesting society based on inequality. At the court of Francois I, they had the chance to meet wonderful naively condescending people in tights and puffy shirts, who knew everything about everything
They show Cartier the way to Stadacona, their village
Cartier and his men will have to spend the winter in Canada, close to Stadacona
Canadian winters can be "difficult" to the uninitiated... and they are soon dying from malnutrition
Donnacona and his people kindly provide Cartier's crew with food and scurvy medication. Most will survive the winter
As a thank you, Cartier then abducts Chief* Donnacona himself, along with other Iroquoians, for a lovely cruise on the Atlantic with last port of call... in France
Chief* Donnacona will die in Paris a few years later...
Donnacona, a forgotten but incredibly important historical figure, making possible the new world discoveries to the Europeans while saving Cartier and his men from a certain death. And this, despite the arrogance and cunning methods of his ungraceful guest
* We need to mention that the Iroquoian Nation is a Matriarchal system. The Clans Mothers decides of everything. Therefore, Donnacona's "Chief" title is relative
CANADA Enduring - Inspired by the Heroes of Yesterday
