Jacques Bruyas (13 July 1635 – 15 June 1712) was born in Lyon, France and entered the Jesuits as a novice in 1651.
For most of the time, he had serious problems with the Iroquois and his own health and safety.
In 1670, Bruyas moved to the Mohawks and also became the superior of the Iroquois missions.
By 1691, his understanding of the Mohawks had been recognized by Governor Frontenac and from 1693 to 1698, he held the position of the superior of the Canadian mission.
From his years of experience with the Iroquois, he became a skilled negotiator and also contributed extensively to the written Mohawk language producing a grammar, a catechism and a prayer-book in Mohawk.