Kandiaronk, called "The Rat" by his own tribe and others, was a statesman of the Iroquois-speaking Wendat confederacy inhabiting modern-day Ontario. He was articulate in French, having had lengthy contact with Jesuit missionaries. In fact, he was known for his entertaining oratory and was invited to dine at the French-held garrison of Quebec, being the only man in the territory whose rhetorical skills were considered the equal to Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, governor of New France from 1672-1682. Published versions of Kandiaronk's critique of Old World culture were quite popular in Europe and at least one of the influences on the Enlightenment.