Outchetaguin was first Huron chief to meet Champlain in June 1609 near Quebec. He had come with Iroquot, an Algonkin chief, to seek an alliance with the French in making war against their enemies the Iroquois. Champlain joined them in his first attack on the Iroquois a few days later. They agreed to meet Champlain at the mouth of the Iroquois (Richelieu) River the following year and began the trading alliance between the French and the Huron that was to last until the destruction of Huronia by the Iroquois later in the century. In 1610, Outchetaguin and Iroquot arrived too late to accompany Champlain on his second attack on the Iroquois. He did hold a three-day council with Champlain at which the French boy, Etienne Brule, was sent to winter among them and learn the language. In exchange Champlain accepted Savignon, a young Huron to return to France with him. In 1611 Outchetaguin and Iroquot again met and traded with Champlain and other Frenchmen at the Lachine Rapids. This is a composite from contemporary descriptions of Hurons in Champlain’s journals, the Jesuit Relations, and recent studies. Sources are listed at the conclusion of the descriptions and in the Sources section. Return to Other Ways of Seeing... |
