| Nicolas Viel | |
|---|---|
| Born | near Coutances in Normandy |
| Died | June 25, 1625 |
| Cause of death | assassinated |
| Occupation | missionary |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Nicolas Viel (died 25 June 1625) was a French Recollet missionary to the Hurons from 1623 to 1625.
Father Viel traveled to Huron territory arriving there with Father Le Caron. He was studying the language and collecting material to add to Father Le Caron’s dictionary. After almost two years, he decided to return to Quebec in May 1625. After a long period of travel, he was assassinated by the three Indian companions in his canoe. A young man called Ahuntsic, who was following in another canoe, witnessed the crime, and suffered the same fate. The event took place near present day Sault-au-Récollet and was well witnessed and recorded; the body of the religious was recovered from the water a few days later and buried at Quebec City.
While there is no official position by the Catholic Church on this matter, all records would indicate that Father Viel was the first martyr for his faith in Canada. The murder was likely was caused by a deep dislike of the Catholic teachings and their messenger.