Samuel de Champlain and Huronia

There is no doubt that one of the giants in Canadian history is the first governor of New France, Samuel de Champlain. Originally a cartographer in the French navy of King Henry IV, Champlain soon found himself at the forefront of explorations, expeditions and settlements in Acadia and Canada. His founding of Quebec ensured his place in history as the Father of French Canada.

From the beginning, Champlain recognized the importance of the First Nations peoples, first around Acadia and then his Kebec “Habitation.” In fact, his life and those around him depended on their assistance on more than one occasion.

Soon he came to know other First Nations who traveled annually to KEBEC to trade, especially the Wendat, or Huron as he called them because of their hair. Champlain saw the importance of establishing good relations with them, and he would go out of his way on several occasions to help them and the other northern tribes in their battles with the Iroquois to the south.

In this first in a series of historical booklets, writer and resident historian David Dupuis brings Penetanguishene and its history to life in a concise and easy manner through words, drawings, and photos that will truly show the magnificent past of a historic town and area and the personalities and events that shaped them.