Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons!

Winter months in Wendake were a time spent inside the longhouse in Huron-Wendat villages. The Jesuits understood that this would be the best time to create bonds and relationships with the Huron-Wendat and to teach them about Christianity. It was this understanding that led to many Jesuit Fathers to spending the winter months among the Huron-Wendat and learning an in-depth knowledge of the culture, the people and the customs that were important to the longhouse people.

It is the season for singing and caroling. Canada's oldest Christmas song was written by one of our very own here at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Jean de Brébeuf (circa 1642). Written in the Huron-Wendat language with the original title "Jesous Ahatonhia" (meaning Jesus is born). The hymn was written to explain the Nativity story in a more relatable way to the Huron-Wendat people. Instead of the birth of Jesus in a stable in the desert, Jesus is born in a "lodge of broke...n bark" and wrapped in a "robe of rabbit skin". He is surrounded by hunters instead of shepherds, and the Magi are portrayed as "chiefs from afar" who bring him "fox and beaver pelts" instead of the more familiar gold, frankincense and myrrh. This song is still sung at Sainte-Marie during our summer music presentations and is always a favourite part of this holiday season. https://youtu.be/D6IG6F6E5Ac See more

It is with the spirit of the season, and all the traditions that our First Light event means to you, and all of us here at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons that we are excited to present a virtual edition of our First Light event - coming soon to Facebook!

Let's talk about corn!!! Over the next while as we prepare to cook meals for Christmas dinner we will explore corn, fish and food here at Sainte-Marie. Did you know that the French at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons adapted their diet to what the Huron-Wendat people were growing and eating? In order to survive in the wilderness outpost, the French adopted corn or "maize" as a staple in their daily diet. This would have been very strange to the French because in Europe corn was something that was generally reserved to feed farm animals. Corn became an important part of European life at the mission headquarters, and was yet another way that the Huron-Wendat people taught and helped the newcomers to survive. #historicfoodways

Please see our message below for an important update regarding First Light "Unplugged" 2020. Vendor fair is also cancelled.

First Light returns for its 21st year with an "Unplugged" experience. Candlelit pathways will guide you through the historic site, including through our highlighted historic buildings, dressed up for the holiday season. Experience the beauty of the season wrapped in history, with take home crafts, treats in the cookhouse and 12 local vendors located in our Brebeuf Event Centre, showcasing a variety of products for sale. Advanced ticket purchase is mandatory for this event, pl...ease visit hhp.on.ca for full details. Important to note: Admission to First Light is through pre-purchased online tickets. Please ensure that you have booked tickets for all members of your party, including any children 12 and under through Eventbrite. Admission to the Holiday Vendor Market is separate from the First Light event and is free admission. Don't forget to bring your food donation to the Salvation Army Food Drive. First Light appreciates your generosity each year, enabling our event to be one of the largest food donation contributors each year. https://firstlightunplugged.eventbrite.ca

Are you writing a letter to Santa? Or maybe a Christmas or Holiday card to family or friends? The Jesuits and Lay brothers at the mission of Sainte-Marie would have been busy doing the same in their daily lives. Writing the Jesuit Relations - a detailed record of interactions with the Huron-Wendat, the landscapes and their survival at the wilderness outpost was a part of mission life and an important resource for us to understand life here at Sainte-Marie. Hopefully your letters are delivered swiftly, as it could take anywhere from 6 months to a year for correspondence to reach France in the 1600's.

Lest We Forget #RemembranceDay

Tickets are running out fast get yours now for Hometown Harvest Day this weekend and join your family for a safe family adventure. Limited tickets available. Scan the QR code for ticket access or visit hhp.on.ca for event details and a link to online ticketing. Tourism Barrie Tourism Simcoe County Festivals & Events Ontario Ontario Festivals Visited The Heart of Georgian Bay

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is delighted to announce it has been awarded the #SafeTravels Stamp. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’. TIAO President & CEO, Beth Potter said We are delighted to confirm Sainte-Marie among the Hurons has been awarded the #SafeTravels Stam...p. Across Canada, tourism businesses big and small are doing all they can to offer Canadians the perfect vacation. More and more Canadians are looking closer to home to escape from the challenges of and rediscovering their own provinces. When they see the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ has been awarded to the destination or hotel they’re planning to visit they will know that they are upholding the highest standards of health and safety and demonstrating they are adhering to the global health protocols issued by the WTTC. See more

Experience Fall in Ontario. Travel safe, travel local.

Fall is in the air! Limited tickets still available for Hometown Harvest Day. Enjoy the historic site, take home crafts, artisan vendors and a yummy treat at Restaurant Sainte-Marie. Hhp.on.ca for online tickets.

Making the last batch of pumpkin spice sugar scrub for the year! Grab a jar at one of the markets this weekend or the Harvest Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons this Saturday before they’re gone

Come to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons for the HOMETOWN HARVEST DAY! Autumn has arrived at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons! Experience the beauty of the season wra...pped in history and visit our outdoor market, featuring crafters and food vendors showcasing a variety of local products. For tickets: http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca//en/H/index.htm #hometownharvestday #saintemarieamongthehurons #funday #sheepcheese #vaseysaycheese See more

Our annual Thanksgiving Harvest Festival held over the Thanksgiving weekend will look a little different this year. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons presents Hometown Harvest Day on Saturday, October 10. Keep your fall family traditions healthy by joining us for this one-day event. With take home crafts, mini pumpkins and 10 local vendors on site, showcasing a variety of products for sale. Tickets are sold in 30-minute time slots (i.e. 10:00am 10:30am). Your time slot is y...our admission window. Please arrive at admissions within your time slot. The time slots are in place to help reduce crowds and lines at check in. Tickets are ONLY available online and will not be sold on site. This is a new process to keep everyone safely and physically distanced. Please note that face coverings are mandatory while visiting the historic attraction. https://hometownharvestday.eventbrite.ca See more

Your fall adventure awaits...Join us for a stroll through history as fall puts on a colourful show of beautiful leaves. #saintemarieamongthehurons #fallcolors