The final arguments for removing children from their parents and placing them in a boarding establishment were practical and, from a Native standpoint, ominous. Educating the Indian children away from their families would be easier and advantageous. For one thing removing the children from the parents would prevent parental interference: ‘we would not be annoyed and distracted by the fathers while instructing the children.‘ Le Jeune had noted as early as 1634 that Indian children behaved differently when their families were around. The two children they were already looking after ‘obeyed tolerably well, but when the Indians were camped near us, our children no longer belonged to us, we dared say nothing.’ More threatening was the French view that seminary students would be hostages for the good behavior and cooperation of the Indians.

      Le Jeune noted that boarding and instructing the students at Quebec ‘will also compel these people to show good treatment to the French who are in their community, or at least not to do them any injury. ‘ In 1935 Governor Champlain stressed the fact that leaving their children with the missionaries would improve relations.