It is easy to understand and describe the benefits of our system of absolutism. Yet how difficult it is to try to convince the natives of New France of the superiority of our system. They cannot understand how so much power can be had by one man and cannot be brought to see its benefits. They cannot be made to see that they lack the discipline of a system that concentrates power in a sovereign monarch, the King. They have much to learn of our ways. When Recollect Father Le Caron and I first lived among the Hurons one winter, we studied their manners, customs and government. They have a system that is entirely contrary to our own. Most of their leaders are chosen by the people and must achieve consensus for all decisions, regardless of how long that may take. They will not agree with any person assuming superiority over others. No man can be bound by a decision to which he has not given his consent. In their headmen they value emotional restraint, practicality and bravery above all else. What we might call a national government, their Huron Confederacy comprised of six principal tribes operates in a most unusual manner. It meets each spring, or at times of emergency. The headmen of all Huron villages sit with representatives of their tribes and discuss disputes and try to coordinate dealings with other tribes. We noticed that all listen with polite attention and good humour. We were most surprised to see how strongly violent outbursts were disapproved of even when issues were hotly debated. Discussion continued until a consensus was reached despite what length of time that might take. The confederacy, tribal, and village councils all seem to have donated funds at their disposal to carry on diplomacy, reward good deeds by other tribes, and make payment for injury inflicted on each other. Hurons have told me it is a matter of pride for them to donate when more funds are needed, such is the level of their feeling for the common good. [based on Trigger, Children of Aataentsic, pp. 54-59] Return to Other Ways of Seeing... |
