Pieskaret (pronounced pees-ka'-ret)[needs Algonquin IPA] (died 1647)[1] was a famous chief of the Adirondac Indians.
Charlevoix (New France, II, 181,1866) stated that Pieskaret was "one of the bravest men ever seen in Canada, and almost incredible stories are told of his prowess.
[1] His return was met with great joy and was "celebrated with dancing and a council was held after which Pieskaret and Tessouat (d.1654) reported to Chomedey de Maisonneuve their intention to go to Trois-Rivières to formulate plans for the future and to determine if the French were to keep their promise of assistance against the enemy".
According to custom, the captives could be seen dancing in the canoes, and enemy scalps floated from long sticks while they were returning to the mission at Sillery.
At the end of this peace council, Pieskaret presented furs that symbolized a rock or a tomb to the Iroquois ambassador.
The furs were meant to be placed on the victims' graves from the battle that was fought,[4] signifying that they might all be forgiven and that no revenge was to be sought.
Given the power to punish delinquents, especially if they were at fault for religious reasons, Pieskaret is said to have discharged his duty faithfully.
From 1646 to 1647, Pieskaret was very affected by the sudden death of a Christian convert and nephew of Tessouat, Joseph Oumasasikweie.
Even though the rumors of the secret clause in a treaty[4] were already known by Pieskaret and there was an overall fear of an attack, he counted on his faith to protect him and he smoked a pipe with the Iroquois.
Another tale states that at the mouth of the Sorel River, Pieskaret along with four others sank five Iroquois canoes by lighting them on fire.