Canadians owe their name to French explorer Jacques Cartier, who first sailed up the St. Lawrence River and gave the country its current moniker. After receiving permission from King Francis I of France in 1534, Cartier set sail for the New World.
France’s claim to the territory that would become Canada was hastened by Jacques Cartier’s three trips down the St. Lawrence River.
It was in Iroquois-Huron territory that Jacques Cartier first heard the name “Canada,” which he later adopted. Their original word for “village” or “settlement” was kanata, and that’s what they called their community.
The history of Canada is deeply intertwined with the spirit of exploration. It’s a tale of adventurers braving the unknown, with the legacy of a particular French explorer standing out.
Dive into the annals of history as we answer the burning questions about Canada’s naming and the explorers who played pivotal roles in its early days.
Cartier A Brand
A lot of people consider Cartier to be the top brand for watches and accessories. While jewels and watches are Cartier’s bread and butter. The company also offers other accessories like purses and cigarette cases. Founded in 1847 by Frenchman Louis-François Cartier.
Cartier is headquartered in the French capital. He founded this company since he had a passion for timepieces and fashion accessories. It has over 200 locations in 125 different countries. The phrase “jeweller of kings, kings of jeweller” was bestowed upon Cartier. Customers are constantly impressed by the company’s cutting-edge innovations.
You’d never guess that this well-known brand’s success was due to a chance name-match with a French explorer. This is the place to go if you have a passion for timepieces. Get something nice for yourself.
Cartier is One of The Most Prestigious Jewelry Manufacturer
Cartier is widely considered as one of the world’s finest jewellery houses. Forbes’ Most Valuable Brand List for 2021 shows that Cartier has risen three spots, from 59th in 2018 to 56th in 2020. With a brand value of $12.2 billion, and sales of $6.2 billion, that’s an increase of 14 percent from the previous year.
Throughout Cartier’s history, it has regularly catered to the needs of royalty. Cartier was called “the goldsmith of kings and the king of jewellers” by King Edward VII of Great Britain.
Edward VII issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904 for the production of 27 tiaras for his coronation in 1902. The courts of Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Russia, and the House of Orléans quickly issued similar warrants.
Who Gave Canada its Name?
Canada’s name is derived from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word “kanata,” which means “village” or “settlement.” When the French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in the region, he misunderstood the term to describe the land, and thus, ‘Canada’ was born as a name.
The Legacy of Jacques Cartier: The French Explorer Who Shaped Canada
Jacques Cartier, often considered the first French explorer to set foot in Canada, claimed vast parts of the region for France in 1534. His exploration paved the way for subsequent voyages that would shape the trajectory of the continent.
Opening the Fur Trade
During Cartier’s explorations, he initiated trade relations with the Indigenous people. This marked the beginning of the lucrative fur trade, with beaver pelts becoming a primary export. This trade laid the economic foundation for New France and drew more settlers and explorers to the region.
Cartier’s Arrival in Canada
Cartier first came to Canada in 1534, embarking on three voyages in total. He navigated the Gulf of St. Lawrence and established the French claim on the territory.
While he was unsuccessful in finding the sought-after Northwest Passage to Asia, he played a vital role in establishing Canada as a pivotal French colony.
Who Named Canada “New France”?
While Jacques Cartier set the stage for French colonization, it was Samuel de Champlain who founded Quebec City and named the entire territory as “New France.” He is often referred to as the “Father of New France” and played a crucial role in developing the colony’s settlements.
Is Cartier Just About Exploration? The Brand Confusion
For many, the name “Cartier” conjures images of luxury jewelry and timepieces. Cartier, the brand, is a renowned French jewelry and watch manufacturer founded in Paris.
It’s essential to differentiate between Jacques Cartier, the explorer, and Cartier, the luxury brand. While both have French origins, their histories and contributions are distinct.
Who was the French Guy that Came to Canada?
The French guy who looms large in Canada’s exploration story is none other than Jacques Cartier. Born in 1491 in Saint-Malo, France, Cartier is renowned as the first European to map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, which he named “The Country of Canadas.”
Jacques Cartier’s Expeditions:
Cartier undertook three major voyages to what would later become Canada:
- 1534: Cartier’s first voyage took him to the eastern coast of Canada where he explored parts of Newfoundland and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
- 1535-1536: On his second voyage, Cartier traveled further inland, exploring the Saint Lawrence River. This expedition led him to the Iroquoian village of Stadacona, which we now know as Quebec City.
- 1541-1542: His final voyage aimed to establish a permanent French colony, though this attempt was short-lived.
The Naming of Canada: An Iroquoian Influence
The story behind the naming of Canada is as fascinating as the land itself. The name originates from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word “kanata”, which means “village” or “settlement.”
When Cartier first interacted with the native Iroquoians, they often referred to their settlements as “kanata.” Cartier adopted this term, initially using it to describe the village of Stadacona (Quebec City), but eventually, it came to denote a larger area.
Over time, the term ‘Canada’ began to be used more broadly, representing today’s second-largest country by land area.
Why is this Naming Important?
The naming of Canada, rooted in its indigenous heritage, underscores the significance of indigenous cultures in shaping the nation’s identity.
This historical tidbit serves as a reminder of the collaboration, understanding, and sometimes misunderstandings that occurred between early European explorers and indigenous communities.
Conclusion
Louis-François Cartier started Cartier in 1847 when he took over his master Adolphe Picard’s Parisian factory. After Louis-death François’s in 1874, his son Alfred Cartier acquired control of the business.
However, it was Alfred’s sons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques who are credited for expanding the Cartier name internationally. Canada’s rich history is a testament to the brave souls who ventured into the unknown.
Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, among others, played instrumental roles in shaping the nation’s early days. As we appreciate the luxuries of modern-day Cartier, let’s also remember and honor the exploratory spirit of the men who gave Canada its name and identity.
