| − | By the late-1600s to mid-1700s however, the number and length of expeditions began to dwindle. It was discovered that the French who remained in Unskat too long, bathing in and consuming the waters of Unskat contracted severe illness to their immune systems and digestive tracts. It is speculated that due to the vitality, purity, and freshness of the water, the French, who's bodies were unaccustomed to such quality, became susceptible to adverse effects of the water. Though this was discovered in the early years of the trade agreement and the Tionantati were able to produce a medication that could either diminish or even cure the symptoms of the illness - depending on the bodily constitution of the person-, it was not enough to risk nor endure prolonged expeditions. That being said, many were still willing to remain in Unskat despite the illness, and many more of those who were cured. The dominant reason for these men and few women (women came in later expeditions for settlement, to follow loved ones who wished to stay, or after hearing great and intriguing stories of Unskat and the Tionontati) who stayed was because of their reverence and intrigue in the Tionontati and Unskat. These people would come to marry and settle with Tionontati, and raising families; giving birth to a new mixed race of Tionontati-French, or Métis, children. For those settlers, explorers, hunters, and traders who stayed back, in order to stay and effectively function within the community, they had to learn and adopt the Tioontati ways of life, and contribute to the community in an active manner | + | By the late-1600s to mid-1700s however, the number and length of expeditions began to dwindle. It was discovered that the French who remained in Unskat too long, bathing in and consuming the waters of Unskat contracted severe illness to their immune systems and digestive tracts. It is speculated that due to the vitality, purity, and freshness of the water, the French, who's bodies were unaccustomed to such quality, became susceptible to adverse effects of the water. Though this was discovered in the early years of the trade agreement and the Tionontati were able to produce a medication that could either diminish or even cure the symptoms of the illness - depending on the bodily constitution of the person-, it was not enough to risk nor endure prolonged expeditions. That being said, many were still willing to remain in Unskat despite the illness, and many more of those who were cured. The dominant reason for these men and few women (women came in later expeditions for settlement, to follow loved ones who wished to stay, or after hearing great and intriguing stories of Unskat and the Tionontati) who stayed was because of their reverence and intrigue in the Tionontati and Unskat. These people would come to marry and settle with Tionontati, and raising families; giving birth to a new mixed race of Tionontati-French, or Métis, children. For those settlers, explorers, hunters, and traders who stayed back, in order to stay and effectively function within the community, they had to learn and adopt the Tioontati ways of life, and contribute to the community in an active manner |