Amerindian Views of French Culture in the Seventeenth Century

To delineate Amerindian views of French culture and civilization at the time of contact in the seventeenth century is extremely difficult because, first of all, an understanding of both French culture and Amerindian cultures is necessary. More information about French culture in the seventeenth century is available than about Micmac, Montagnais, Algonkian, Huron, and Iroquois cultures which were described by French travellers, missionaries, and traders as seen through their own understanding of such cultures and interpreted according to their values and beliefs. The Amerindians, as a non-literate society, left few documents to assist in reconstructing their views and concepts. The majority of documentary sources are European and, therefore, although designated as primary sources, are interpretations as well as records of events. In the domain of personal hygiene the Amerindians appear to have been more advanced than the French, especially in matters concerning bathing which the French avoided as both unhealthy and immodest.