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Explorers of Canada, Part II: Jacques Cartier

© David Newman

Since Cabot hardly even touched North America and since he landed in Newfoundland which has only been Canada for fifty years, the traditional "discoverer" of Canada. If discoverer seams the wrong, then the title given to him by the French Canadian seems suitable: founder. He built a new country, which he called Canada, and another he called Acadia, together called New France. A third colony would be added to New France with further explorations, that of Louisiana.

Jacques Cartier was born at Saint Malo, in France sometime in 1491. We don't know exactly why and how he became a skilled navigator and cartographer but we know he participated on a voyage with Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524 unofficially for the King of France. In 1534, he commanded his own ship for the king of France, François I (Francis I).

In May of 1534, Cartier reached the New World with two ships and 61 sailors. He passed by Newfoundland where Basque and Breton fishermen already lived (temporarily). He travelled south to Iles de la Madelaine and Prince Edward Island which he charted as part of the mainland. He then landed at Gaspé.

At Gaspé he met with canoes of Micmacs who wanted to be friends. They traded and celebrated and had mutual respect. Also, there were 200 Wendat (Hurons) who led Cartier to their chief, Donnaconna who brougth the French to their village at Stadacona (Québec). Although Dannaconna warned him not too, Cartier sailed more west until he reached another Huron village of Hochelaga (now Montreal). But he soon found out that this wasn't the route to China. Cartier stayed the winter and nearly froze to death and his crew of 110 sailors was reduced to 10. The French were helped by the Iroquois Nation who gave them a cedar tea that cured scurvy. Cartier discovered that the "Indians" were really useful and that it was necessary to have an ongoing partnership. The French got food and help to survive the winter, the Indians got military alliance.

Cartier tricked Donnaconna andh is sons onto his ship and convinced (or kidnapped) them (and others) to go to France, where they learned French. They were brought back as interpreters. The King of France, hearing stories of the 'Kingdom of Saguenay' sent Cartier back to Canada in 1540 but under the command of Jean-François de La Roque de Roberval. All but one of the hurons brought to France made the trip back and Cartier was no longer welcome at Stadacona.