Metis guide Nicolas Aubin repairing a canoe at the end of the 19th century.
© Musée de Charlevoix, Deux cent ans de villégiature dans Charlevoix coll.
William Hume Blake spoke French very well. Over the years, he became close with many Charlevoix residents, including guides and farmers. He often expressed his admiration for their physical prowess, knowledge of the land and skill, for example, in making or repairing canoes or building temporary bridges.
In this photograph, we see Métis guide Nicolas Aubin repairing a canoe at the end of the 19th century.