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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus discovers America
On October 12, 1492 Christopher Columbus and his crew landed on a island in the Bahamas. Christopher Columbus' discovery and interaction with the First Nations people who lived there led to the first lasting European contact and prompted more European explorers to explore the "New World".
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Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot lands in Newfound Land
John Cabot landed in Newfound land in 1497. Cabot was not able to find the Northwest Passage but he discoveres an abundence of Cod fish off the coast of Newfound Land. John Cabot's discovery increases European interest in the Americas which leads to further European and First Nations interaction.
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Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Europeans Infect First Nations With Foreign Diseases
*No Exact Date
The Europeans brought diseases that the First Nations had never been exposed to before. Because of their lack of immunity the First Nations were devestated by diseases like smallpox and influenza. A large percentage of First Nations died because of these diseases. -
Jul 24, 1534
Jacques Cartier Explores the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and Kidnaps Donnaconna's Sons
On July 24th, 1594 Jacques Cartier encounters a party of St. Lawrence Iroquoians. Cartier claims their territory in the name of the king and kidnaps their captain Donnaconna's 2 sons. Donnaconna agreed that Cartier could take his sons if Jacques Cartier returned with European goods to trade.
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May 19, 1535
Jacques Cartier's Second Voyage
On Jacques Cartier's second voyage he travelled farther up the St.Lawrence using Donnaconna's sons as guides. Jacques Cartier got as far as the Iroquois village "Hochelaga", but could not contine because of rapids. Jacques Cartier decides to take Donnaconna a long with his 2 sons back to France.
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Samuel de Champlaine establishes first permanent settlement in Canada
Samuel de Champlaine started to build up Quebec city for France. It is the first permanent settlement established in Canada and leads to major interactions with the First Nations
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Hurons/Algonquin/Champlain Alliance
In order to secure trade Samuel de Champlain made a military alliance with the Hurons and Algonquin First Nations who were at war with the Iroquois First Nations. The Algonquin and Hurons with the help of Champlain were able to defeat the Iroquois in battle but the French payed the cost of being considered enemies by the Iroquois.
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Period: to
Jesuit Mission In New France
*Exact dates not known
Jesuits came to New France in 1625 to try to convert the First Nations to catholisim. By 1658 their mission had to be abandoned because of conflict with the Iroquois. -
Period: to
Reign of King Louis XIV
Under the reign of King Louis XIV New France began to grow and have an increased interaction with and impact on the First Nations. -
Voyage of the Nonsuch
The Nonsuch was the first European ship to enter the interior of Canada through the Hudson Bay. Traders who were aboard the Nonsuch built a small post at James Bay. Around 300 Cree suppliers came to trade and made the voyage a success. The voyage of the Nonsuch led to the establishment of The Hudson's Bay Company which had a huge impact on interactions with the First Nations
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Hudson's Bay Company is Founded
The Hudson's Bay Company was founded, and given a monopoly on all trading throughtout Rupert's Land. The Hudson Bay was one of the biggest fur trade companies, and had many interactions with the First Nations. The First Nations would trade animal furs for goods from Europe.The Hudson's Bay Company led to the French forming the North West Company
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Period: to
The Voyageur Era
*Not Exact Dates
Voyageurs were people who transported furs on canoes throughout Canada. They had to survive through harsh conditions and would carry their cargo over large stretches of land. The voyageurs had countless interactions with the First Nations trading with and learning from them. Most voyageurs were French-Canadain. In 1892 with the completion of the railway and Fort William being closed the need for voyageurs was very small, leading to the end of the Voyageur Era. -
Joseph Brant Goes To London To Strike A Deal
PictureJoseph Brant, Chief of the Mohawk tribe goes to London to make a deal with the British. He offers the Six Nations participation as allies in the war in return for land being set aside for the First Nations. -
The Northwest Company is Founded
*Not Exact Date
A group of merchants in Montreal form the Northwest Company to compete with rival the Hudson's Bay Company. The Northwest Company's strategy was to travel into the interior of Canada and trade with the First Nations, unlike the Hudson's Bay Company's which was to let the First Nations come to them. The Northwest Company's strategy proved very profitable and at a time controlled 80% of the fur trade.
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Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific Coast
PictureAlexander Mackenzie completed the first recorded crossing of North America north Mexico.Although on his journey Mackenzie never made it to open ocean, he came in contact many First Nations. In his journal Mackenzie had the first recording of the Carrier First Nation language. -
Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames was an important victory for the United States over Great Britain. Some of the First Nations fought on the side of the British. During the bsttle the Shawnee chief Tecumseh was killed. The loss of the battle and death of Tecumesh led to the end of the First Nations alliance with the British.
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