Druillettes, Gabriel

Druillettes, Gabriel

After the request of a missionary from the Abenakis, Indigenous people of Kennebec River Basin, Druillettes was sent off to meet them. His preaching proved to be effective for the people of Kennebec River, and they were won over by the faith. He also went hunting with Abenakis in Lake Moosehead (Maine) to further win over his companions' confidence.

Druillettes left and returned to Maine many times to continue his missionary work. In 1647 and 1648 Druillettes could not return to Maine; however in 1650, he went back once again to continue his work. He also made his final return to the Abenakis in 1651 to continue his embassy, and left in 1652.

1646 - 1652

Person

Kennebec River, Maine, United States.

Lucien Campeau, “DRUILLETTES, GABRIEL” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol. 1, University of Toronto/University Laval, accessed October 3, 2021, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/druillettes_gabriel_1E.html.

1610

Garat, France

1681

Quebec City

Priest; Jesuit; Missionary; Explorer; Governor of Quebec’s ambassador (for the preparation of an alliance with New England against the Iroquois)

French; Language of the Abenakis

Gabriel Druillettes was a Jesuit, he entered the noviciate of the society of Jesus in 1629. Gabriel Druillettes was ordained as priest in 1641 0r 1642 (unclear) and Immediately after completing his training as a Jesuit, sailed to Canada in August of 1643 to begin Missionary work. Before sailing to Canada Druillettes he studied Philosophy of Le Puy, followed the course in Theology at Toulouse, and taught at Mauriac, Béziers, and Puy.

Druillettes notably made one of the most memorable impressions upon Indigenous groups.

Conflict and Change in Early Canadian History (Carleton HIST 1301)

Emma Shaw