Hochelaga, Land of Souls

A descendant of the massacre survivor Asigny, Baptiste is a determined graduate student studying Mohawk history who leads the excavation. He battles funding and institutional obstacles but remains driven to uncover Hochelaga’s truth. His work bridges generations, giving voice to ancestors while navigating present-day precarity.

An archaeology professor who theorizes that the sinkhole could reveal evidence of Hochelaga. He pushes to obtain official access and mentors Baptiste, guiding the dig with a pragmatic yet open approach. His leadership frames the project as a pursuit of knowledge that binds past and present.

An Indigenous woman connected to the region’s long history; she observes the events with a wary, insightful perspective. Her presence highlights Indigenous continuity and the impact of colonial ripples on living communities. She serves as a bridge between past worlds and present understandings.

A French settler involved in a forbidden affair with Akwi; he succumbs to purple fever and dies after a hospital confrontation with a priest. His arc underscores the fragility of colonial entanglements and the human cost behind historical narratives.

A widowed figure who offers sanctuary to Patriotes in 1837; she embodies resilience and quiet defiance in a turbulent era. Her perspective provides a personal lens on loyalty, justice, and the long consequences of rebellion. She stands as a witness to the region’s upheavals.

The French explorer who arrives at Hochelaga in 1535 and assigns the land a name after meeting Tennawake. His actions crystallize European claims and set in motion a long history of contact between two worlds. Cartier’s visit is a key historical anchor for the film’s exploration of legacy.

A Loyalist commander during the 1837 events who pursues the Patriotes and oversees stability on Walker property. He represents the enforcement of order and the stakes of rebellion in a contested landscape. His presence heightens the conflict between loyalty and justice.

Leader of Hochelaga who meets Cartier; his gaze anticipates further European presence while asserting sovereignty. He embodies cautious diplomacy and resilience in the face of encroaching outsiders. His interaction with Cartier marks a pivotal moment in the region’s intercultural history.