French settlers quickly established relations with the Mi'kmaq, a peaceful and hospitable people. Relations began with Champlain's arrival in 1604 and were strengthened after the failure of the Saint-Croix colony in 1605. Mi'kmaq guidance helped the French survive the harsh winters. Intermarriage between French and Mi'kmaq was frequent, integrating children into either community without discrimination. This cohabitation contributed to the formation of Acadian and Gaspesian culture, enriched by many aspects of Mi'kmaq culture, including democratic practices and words of their language.
Grandmothers' stories
Unlike the English and Spanish settlers, the French were not driven by genocidal intentions, seeking instead to convert the natives to Christianity. According to Mi'kmaq historian Daniel Paul, this enabled the Mi'kmaq to preserve more of their traditional way of life. Moreover, “English colonial officers were bitterly jealous of the friendly relations that French settlers maintained with many First Nations.” To find out more, read this text by Mr. Paul.
Histoires de grand-mères
Histoires de grand-mères
The late Marie Beaulieu (no year of birth listed & died in the early '50s), born in the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation formerly known as Viger Maliseet First Nation, was THE person called to accompany women during childbirth and to prepare the dead for burial. She used shepherd's purse, a plant of the cruciferous family known for its powerful anti-hemorrhagic properties, to heal women during childbirth. This beautiful plant, indigenous to the Capucins, was used during the First World War to stop bleeding from wounds. It is through an oral transfer of knowledge that this beautiful story has come down to us, from this great-grandmother to her granddaughter, who still lives in the Capucins.
The whole plant is edible and tastes of pepper. You can make herbal teas with it, or even add it during cooking to tenderize your meat.