The Seven Nations of Canada 1660-1860 Solidarity, Vision and Independence in the St. Lawrence Valley

Wendake, Odanak, Wô linak, Pointe-du-Lac, Kahnawake, Kanesatake, Akwesasne, Kitigan Zibi are communities located all along the St. Lawrence River valley and its tributaries. They have been home to descendants of the Huron-Wendat, Algonquin, Nipissing, and Iroquois nations. These First Nations have in common the fact that their ancestors were allies of the French and had converted to Christianity. Historians have ignored these nations described as “ domiciled Indians” (“ sauvages domicilié s” ) by the French administrators. Jean-Pierre Sawaya carefully studied how an alliance of such diverse “ missions” was created, developed and conducted to become The Seven Nations of Canada. How did this confederation come about? Who took part and what were their roles? The answers are mined in the massive colonial archives. Seven Fires is original research at its best, combining detailed analysis and systematic investigation, that has enabled the author to dispel the tenacious colonial myth about irrational, submissive, and fatalistic Indigenous peoples. Readers will discover forward-looking people motivated by a deep desire for independence and solidarity.

Fred Wiseman PhD teaches Wabanaki decorative arts, ceremonial oratory, dance and song based on historical precedent, but adapted for modern venues and audience. He lives in Swanton, Vermont, a few km from the Canadian border. Jean-Pierre Sawaya holds a PhD in History from Université Laval. As a History and Heritage Consultant, he is particularly interested in the political history and diplomatic traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Québec. His other books include Droits et pièges d’un heritage colonial au Québec with Denys Delâge. He is now working on the history of the RCMP with Indigenous people. He lives in Quebec City. Katherine Hastings has worked as a Quebec-based translator and copyeditor since 1995. She has translated or co-translated three novels. She has also translated history books including Montreal and the Bomb by Gilles Sabourin and The Plains of Abraham, Battlefield 1759-1760. She live near Quebec City. Patricia Culliford is an Anishinabe member of the Seven Nations Confederacy. She is a historical researcher whose focus is on the uses of wampum belts in Indigenous/settler relations. She has reached out to Baraka Books to request this translation in order to fulfill a promise made to Chief Mike Thomas.

Native Americans; Iroquois; Hurons; Anishinaabe; Akwesasne; Mohawks; Kahnawake; Seven Fires; Seven Nations of Canada; New France; Fur trade