Virtual Museum
Virtual Museum Exhibit
Baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou
In 1610, Grand Cheif Henri Membertou became the first Indigenous person to be baptized as Catholic in New France, This began an intense conversion and intermingling of customs. Mi’kmaq peoples, who had readily adapted to European trade goods, were likewise receptive to religious practices. It is said that Membertou was already more than 100 years old in 1607. This is probably an exaggeration.
“This was the greatest, most renowned and most formidable savage within the memory of man; of splendid physique, taller and larger-limbed than is usual among them; bearded like a Frenchman, although scarcely any of the others have hair upon the chin; grave and reserved; feeling a proper sense of dignity for his position as commander." - Father Pierre Baird, Jesuit priest, missionary in Acadia, Describing Henri Membertou
Father Jessé Fléché was a priest and missionary in Acadia who baptized all Mi'kmaq passing through Port-Royal in 1610 he baptized approximately 140 Mi'kmaq people.
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The early Catholic church was devoted almost entirely to evangelizing Indigenous peoples. French Missionaries (Jesuits) concentrated on living with the Indigenous people.
Membertou, 1607: In 2007 Canada Post released a stamp honouring Grand Chief Henri Membertou.