The history of interaction between European colonists and native peoples in the land that was to become Canada follows broadly the same lines as in the United States, with co-operation, fuelled by trade, and competition, often resulting in warfare, existing side by side from the first.

The French in Canada were frequently in conflict with the English, later British, colonies to the east and south, and both sides acquired Indian allies. The journal of William Pote, 1745-1747 documents his capture and imprisonment by French and native forces during one such period of hostilities and the lives of the other prisoners with him. Recording life at a British post, the Orderly book of Major Joseph Frye, commander of Fort Monkton, Nova Scotia, provides an account of the guarding of the fort and other military duties, as well as measures taken against prisoners and the infractions of soldiers, and efforts to maintain discipline.