J is for Jesuit Relations
The Jesuit Relations, or Relations des Jésuites de la Nouvelle-France, are a series of reports sent by Jesuit missionaries in New France back to their superiors in Europe from 1632 to 1673.
These reports are an invaluable source of information on the early interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples in 17th century Canada. The library holds a complete set of the Relations.
Relation de ce qui s'est passé en la Nouvelle France en l'année 1636
Paul Lejeune, 1591-1664
Paris: Sebastien Cramoisy, 1637
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana
This volume contains Jean de Brébeuf's detailed observations of the life, customs and beliefs of the Huron-Wendat people. It is considered to be one of the most significant records of early contact between missionaries and Indigenous peoples of the region.
Relation de ce qui s'est passé en la Nouvelle France en l'année 1637
Paul Le Jeune, 1591-1664
Rouen: Chez Jean le Boullenger, 1638
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana
In addition to documenting the work of the Jesuit Missions, the Relations also recorded observations on secular events in the colony. It is a primary source for the history of the period.
This report describes celebrations surrounding the feast of St. Joseph in 1637. The Governor of New France produced a firework display: a skin was illuminated with the name of Saint Joseph and 14 rockets were lit up, sending down a rain of fiery light. A small edifice in the shape of a castle was also set up with the towers filled with lighted candles.
You can read this book online or download it from our Digital Archive.
Relation de ce qui s'est passé en la mission des pères de la Compagnie de Iesvs aux Hurons, pays de la Nouvelle France, lés années 1648 & 1649
Paul Ragueneau, 1608-1680
Paris: Sebastien Cramoisy & Gabriel Cramoisy, 1650
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana
In this volume, Rageuneau reports on the Iroquois attack on the Huron-Wendat villages of Saint Ignace and Saint Louis in 1649.
The account includes vivid description of the torture and death of Father Jean de Brébeuf and Father Gabriel Lalemant.
You can read this book online or download it from our Digital Archive.
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You can read these historical accounts and discover more by searching our Digital Archive.