Tessouat facts for kids
Tessouat (also known as Tesswehas in the Anishinaabe language) was an important Algonquin chief. He lived from around the late 1500s until sometime between 1636 and 1654. Tessouat belonged to the Kichesipirini nation. Their name means "people from the great river," referring to the Ottawa River. His people lived in an area stretching from Lake of Two Mountains to what is now Pembroke, Ontario.
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A Powerful Leader
Tessouat lived on L'Isle-aux-Allumettes, an island in the Ottawa River. French settlers described him as a very strong leader. He was blind in one eye, which led the French to call him "le Borgne de l'isle" (the one-eyed man of the island).
Controlling the River
Tessouat's home was in a very important location. The Ottawa River was the safest way to travel from the St. Lawrence River to Hudson Bay and to Huronia, near Georgian Bay. This made his position very powerful. Tessouat used his location to charge fees for French fur traders passing through. He also showed his authority in other ways. For example, in 1633, he stopped French missionaries from going to Huronia. He worried this would make him lose power in the area.
Keeping Trade Strong
Tessouat worked hard to keep his nation, the Kichesipirini, as the main traders. He tried to stop his allies, like the French, the Wendat (Huron), and the Odawa, from trading directly with each other. He wanted all trade to go through the Algonquin people. This helped his nation stay strong and wealthy.
Peace and Conflict
During Tessouat's time, the Algonquins, Wendats, and other First Nations around the Great Lakes were at war. Their main enemy was the Iroquois Confederacy.
Talking Peace with the Mohawk
Even though there was war, Tessouat started peace talks with the Mohawk people. The Mohawk were a powerful nation within the Iroquois Confederacy. In 1634, they agreed to a peace treaty. Tessouat might have wanted this peace to gain access to Dutch settlers. These settlers lived in what is now New York State. Trading with the Dutch could have given him a better position when dealing with French traders.
A Short Peace
Sadly, the peace with the Mohawks only lasted two years. Tessouat died a few months after some very difficult fights against the Mohawks.
The New Tessouat
After Tessouat's death, an interesting Algonquin custom took place. A "new Tessouat" was brought to life. This custom involved a special ceremony to bring back an important dead chief.
A Nation in Need
The Kichesipirini nation was facing many problems. European diseases were causing many deaths. They had also lost many battles against the Iroquois Confederacy. The new Tessouat was brought to life to help save his people.
A Familiar Face
Strangely, the new Tessouat was also blind in one eye. This made it hard for the French to tell the two Tessouats apart. Sometimes, they thought the new Tessouat was the old one.
Moving for Safety
To protect his nation, the new Tessouat decided to move closer to the French. First, they went to Sillery, near Quebec City. But the Wendats there did not welcome them. So, Tessouat decided to bring his nation to Montreal Island. There, he agreed to be baptized as a Christian.
Final Journey
In 1647, the new Tessouat and his nation moved again. They feared an attack from the Iroquois and worried the French might not protect them. The new Tessouat eventually died in Trois-Rivières, in 1654.
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