The rebuke that you are referencing from a Micmac chief was made in response to and recorded by Chrestien Le Clercq in 1677. Le Clercq was a Recollect Franciscan missionary and friar who had come to the Gaspe Penninsula in Quebec to take charge of a Catholic mission there. When he suggested to the Micmac that they build their houses in the manner of Europeans, the chief took offense and made this statement.

The chief responds that European houses are not conducive to the Micmac way of life. While he does not come straight out and insult the French, he does remark that they live in a very curious way. He also points out that the French often insult the Micmac way of life and imply that they are unhappy. The chief retorts that they are very content with the way they live and do not wish to change. They would be much less happy if they were to adopt European ways.

He also questions why the French would come to North America at all if they believe life in France to be so much better. He says that in America, the Micmac are much wealthier than the French could ever be. They do not require all the material comforts which the French seem to desire.