A Canadian Family

Andre Mignier dit Lagace – what did he look like?

Andre Mignier was a simple, 17th century soldier, so we certainly have no images of him, however we do have this recent painting by Francis Back of a typical soldier of the Carignan-Salieres Regiment. The painting is historically accurate as it is based on equipment lists and descriptions of the period.

Andre Mignier’s regiment was stationed in Nouvelle France (Quebec) between 1665 and 1668. The soldiers were brought here to defend the colony from what Europeans called “marauding” Iroquois warriors. Of course, the Iroquois (and other First Nations and Inuit) were already here before the arrival of the Europeans so they would undoubtedly write this history from a different perspective!

At the end of the three years soldiers (and officers) were offered the chance to settle in Nouvelle France. Officers received seigneuries while their soldiers were offered plots of land. In return they had to meet certain requirements (such as building a house) but most importantly – they had to marry!

Related Posts:

Portal – Lagace Mignier

The Iroquois of Kahnawake

Further Reading:

Patrimoine Militaire Canadien

February 11, 2009 Posted by Evelyn Yvonne Theriault | . | French Canadian, Indian, Iroquois, Lagace, Mignier, military, Quebec | 2 Comments