Tessouat

The alleged motive behind this political move was to gain access to the Dutch settlers in what is now known the New York State, perhaps in order to be in a better negotiating position with the French traders.

The custom consisted of bringing back to life an important dead chief in a highly spectacular ritual.

The new Tessouat was brought to life to save the Kitchesipirini nation, which was by then afflicted by death, caused by the European diseases, and isolated after several losses to the Iroquoian confederation.

To save his nation, the new Tessouat decided to move from the Ottawa River area to a place nearby the French.

After going to Sillery (nearby Quebec), where the Wendats refused their hospitality, Tessouat decides to bring his nation to Montreal island, where he agrees to receive the Christian baptism.