(CIRCA 1500) Culture of the First Occupants

Environment, social relationships and spirituality Aboriginal people respected the environment, which ensured their subsistence in the territory and supplied them with the resources that were essential for their material production. Social relationships among aboriginal peoples were determined by qualities such as gift giving, which they greatly valued. An individual had to possess these qualities to be chief. Aboriginal peoples believe in animism. They believe in the existence of spirits and entered into contact with them through various means such as smoke, dreams and shamanism.

Encounter with Europeans The encounter with Europeans transformed the Aboriginal peoples’ material culture. They discovered new materials and changed their clothing and food habits. (Guns being an important trading object) The encounter with Europeans had negative demographic effects on Aboriginal societies. Exposure to European diseases like smallpox devastated Aboriginal populations because they had no natural immunities built up to fight the disease.

Culture under the French Regime Immigration to Canada: imports and adaptations French immigrants imported techniques and skills as well as objects that they adapted to the requirements of the colony’s climate (Ex: agricultural techniques). They also adopted certain aboriginal practices and customs. Ex: Aboriginal jackets, moccasins, mitasses (leggings), tuques, snowshoes, sleds, canoes. These changes led to the emergence of a new identity. Over time settlers would identify less as being French, but more as being Canadien.

The Catholic Church The Catholic Church is one of the most influential forces that shaped Quebec’s culture throughout its history. In the 17 th century, the Church made it its mission to convert Aboriginals to the Catholic religion. The Church took charge of social services (ex: medical care) and education in the colony. The Church displayed its power through religious art and buildings. This is an important part of Quebec’s cultural heritage.

The Catholic Church (cont) The local church in a parish was the center point of any community. It is where people met and socialized. The Church used this fact to control the society of the colony and enforce their Catholic morality.

Absolutism in the colony Absolutism: A ruler is said to receive his or her power directly from God and was God’s representative. They rule with complete authority and there are no laws to limit their authority. Everything belonged to the King Examples of Absolutism in New France: Before 1663, all chartered companies had to answer to the king and he had the power to dissolve them. Later, the governor’s and intendants were the king’s representatives and had comparable powers. Place names Ex: Louisiana

Gallicanism Gallicanism: A doctrine whereby the Catholic Church in France enjoyed autonomy with respect to the authority of the Pope. The idea was that since the king is God’s representative on Earth, he should also be the leader of the Church in that territory. The King would appoint Bishops in France and New France. In reality, it probably had more to do with the King having more control and power over the influential Catholic Church

Culture under British Rule ( ) After the Conquest, the British were left with the problem of trying to govern a people that had a completely different culture (language, religion, customs) than them. They tried to create policies that maintained their authority but allowed the Canadiens to keep identity. The British let the Catholic Church keep its power in return for the Church promising to support the British. Root cause for dissatisfaction with Church in the 1960’s. (Mr. Macleod’s opinion)

Liberalism, Nationalism and Republicanism ( ’s) The change of empire coincided with the rise of liberalism in the colony. Both Canadien and British liberals wanted a more democratic political system. After 1791, linguistic tensions in the Legislative Assembly encouraged the development of partisan press. Canadien liberals grew more radical and became republicans and nationalists, resulting in rebellions in Lower Canada during They wanted to create a separate nation for the Canadiens in North America.

Ultramontanism, liberalism, anticlericalism (After 1840) The Act of Union tried to assimilate Canadiens. They turned to the Catholic Church for support and to protect their identity. Ultramontanism: The Catholic Church inserting itself into all aspects of life in the colony, including political power. The Church builds many classical colleges to educate young people. The new French Canadian nationalist movement is survival nationalism. Where the Catholic religion is a central part of what it means to be Canadien. It supporters were rural and conservative.

Liberalism and Anticlericalism There were still Canadien liberals who were in favour of nationalism but did not agree with the Church being a leading power in that movement. This is known as anticlericalism. This is the beginning of a new secular society in Quebec. Secular nationalist were mostly located in the cities and were more liberal in their views on society. They believed in religion, just not it being a part of governing a country.