BATISCAN (Batisquan), Algonkin chief of the Trois-Rivières country; fl. 1610–29.

When Champlain arrived in Quebec in April 1610, he was met by the interim commander, Capt. Pierre Chauvin de La Pierre , and the native chief Batiscan and his companions, who had been awaiting him. The Indians rejoiced with song and dance, and Champlain held a feast for them. In return, he was invited, with seven others, to a feast, “which is no small favour amongst them.” Again, on his arrival in Quebec in 1611, Champlain was met by Batiscan and a group of Algonkin Indians. They refused to give aid in exploring the region of Trois-Rivières and the St. Maurice River but provided accurate information on the tribes that lived there and their origin.

Batiscan was one of a council of five chiefs, with Chomina as head, which was proposed by Champlain in June 1629 to strengthen his position with the native tribes. Shortly before the fall of Quebec to the English, the recommendation was accepted at a general council of the Indians of the district.

Elsie McLeod Jury