Exploring a new territory
To find furs
There were many reasons to explore the territory in the early days of colonization, but the most important reason was to find furs. This was what motivated an explorer and coureur de bois like Jean Nicollet, who arrived in the colony in 1618.
To protect the fur trade between the Native people and the French, Jean Nicollet was sent to visit different Native nations. He lived among the Native people, learning their languages and exploring the territory like no Frenchman ever had before. The coureurs de bois would later become valuable explorers for the new colony.
Other explorers such as Hudson, Radisson and Des Groseilliers also travelled the continent in search of furs and other riches.
To find a route to Asia or to evangelize
The French were motivated to explore for other reasons, too. Some, like Champlain, sought a route to the riches of Asia. Others, like the Jesuits, had a missionary ideal and wanted to go among the Native nations to evangelize them. In 1645, however, the great explorations were yet to come.
Watch also a video narration in French at
http://primaire.recitus.qc.ca/sujets/5/transport-et-communication/120
Author: Service national du Récit de l’univers social
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