Brett Rushforth

This well written (i.e. readable) paper describes the development of Indian slavery in New France.

I found it particularly interesting that French society and culture were so affected by the demands of Indian diplomacy. Far from being the cliche of 'weak' Indian leaders bowing in the wake of stern European governance, it was the French who flexed and adapted, more often than not, to Indian demands of social propriety.

It was also interesting to see how the actions of the voyageurs and coureur show more des bois determined the outcome of the relationships between the two peoples.

Recommended reading as I doubt you could find a more concise, well documented, and readable history of the institution of Indian slavery in New France.

Pam T
PageinHistory.com show less