A deal with far-reaching consequences was finalized last week at Tadoussac between delegates from the French government seeking exclusive access to the burgeoning fur trade and leaders of the Montagnais and Algonquin nations in Canada.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Montagnais and the Algonquins will now provide furs exclusively to French traders in return for military support in their campaigns against the Iroquois, who occupy the fertile lowlands to the southwest along the St. Lawrence River. The Iroquois are traditional enemies of both the Montagnais and the Algonquin nations.

The Montagnais and the Algonquins will serve as middlemen between the French traders and the tribes in the northern territories beyond the headwaters of the Saguenay River. They will collect the furs from their northern neighbours and deliver them to the post at Tadoussac.

Fur stocks have been in decline in Europe over the past few years due to overhunting, which has resulted in the near-extinction of beaver populations.

The deal follows many days of celebration that resulted from a decisive victory over the Iroquois. The French delegation arrived at an opportune time to strike such a deal as the two native groups were still feeling the effects of their victory, and were in a receptive mood.

The French delegation was lead by Samuel de Champlain, who was appointed by King Henry IV of France. Champlain’s other duties include exploration of the new lands to which France has laid claim and drawing detailed maps of all that he sees. He was accompanied by his uncle, Capt. Francois Grave Du Pont, commander of the French ship, “Bonne-Renommee”, and two Montagnais men who were returning from France.

The great Montagnais chief, Anadabijou, officially welcomed the French upon hearing of the hospitality shown the Montagnais men during their stay at the court of Henry IV. The accord was struck sometime later, and was followed by a ceremonial passing of the traditional pipe, which signalled agreement on both sides.

In the days following the deal, Champlain has indicated a desire to have young French men volunteer to accompany the various native groups and to live among them and learn their ways.