“Continuing our way, we came to the Chaudiere Falls, where the savages carried out their customary ceremony.  After transporting their canoes to the foot of the fall they assemble in one spot, where one of them takes up a collection on a wooden platter, into which each person puts a bit of tobacco.  The collection having been made, the plate is placed in the midst of the troop, and all dance about it, singing after their style.  Then one of the captains makes an harangue, setting forth that for a long time they have been accustomed to make this offering, by which means they are ensured protection against their enemies, that otherwise misfortune would befall them from the evil spirit.  This done, the maker of the harangue takes the plate and throws the tobacco into the midst of the cauldron (the chasm of foaming water), whereupon they all together raise a loud cry.  These poor people are so superstitious, that they would not believe it possible for them to make a prosperous journey without observing this ceremony at this place; for sometimes their enemies (Iroquois) await them at this portage, not venturing to go any farther on account of the difficulty of the journey.  Consequently they are occasionally surprised and killed by the Iroquois at this place (the south bank of the Ottawa).”

Above the Chaudiere Champlain met the Algonkin chief, Tessouat, and thus described the burial places of his tribe: 

“On visiting the island I observed their cemeteries, and was struck with wonder as I saw sepulchres of a shape like shrines, made of pieces of wood fixed in the ground at a distance of about three feet from each other, and intersecting at the upper end.  On the intersections above they place a large piece of wood, and in front another upright piece on which is carved roughly, as would be expected, the figure of the male or female interred.  If it is a man, they add a shield, a sword attached to a handle after their manner, a mace, and bow and arrows.  If it is a chief, there is a plume on his head, and some other matachia or embellishment.  If it is a child, they give it a bow and arrow, if a woman or girl, a boiler, an earthen vessel, a wooden spoon, and an oar.  The entire sepulchre is six or seven feet long at most, and four wide; others are smaller.  They are painted yellow and red, with various ornaments as neatly done as the carving.  The deceased is buried with his dress of beaver or other skins which he wore when living, and they lay by his side all his possessions, as hatchets, knives, boilers, and awls, so that these things may serve him in the land whither he goes; for they believe in the immortality of the soul, as I have elsewhere observed.  These carved sepulchres are only made for the warriors, for in respect to others they add no more than in the case of women, who are considered a useless class, accordingly but little is added in their case.”