history

                 Membertou Chief of the Micmaq

    Henri Membertou was the chief and shawman of the Micmaq tribe. It is unknown when he was born, but we do know that he lived during the late 1500's, early 1600's. Membertou live in Port Royal, the site where the French had their first settlement in Acadia(Nova Scotia). The success of the French settlers was because of Membertou's hospitality, guidance, and kindness. Membertou sometimes joined the French in their settlement area, he was a greatly respected chief by all. Membertou was baptized on June 24th because it was Saint John the Baptist Day. He was the first North American to be baptized by the French in his own country. The ceremony was preformed by priest Jesse Fleche. Jesse Fleche baptized all 20 of Membertou's immediate family. Jesse gave Membertou the baptismal name of Henri, after the king of France, Henri IV. When the French left in 1607 he cared for and protected their land. he watched their land for three years until the French came back. In 1611 Membertou caught dysentery, a disease spread to the New World by the Europeans. When September came he became very ill. Membertou insisted he was to be buried with his ancestors, later he changed his mind and asked to be buried with the French. Henri Membertou passed away september 18 1611, but before he died he told his children to continue to be christians.

 

Christina P