Native American Experience and Jesuit Relations

Study Notes

The reaction of a Creek Chief to Hernando de Soto's expedition to Georgia was recorded
The chief expressed awe and terror at the sight of the Spanish and their horses
The chief asked questions about the Spanish, their origins, destinations, and intentions
The chief offered to serve the Spanish and their people, their country, and their vassals

Jesuit missionaries documented their experiences and encounters with various cultures in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries
These accounts were initially internal reports within the Society of Jesus
Over time, some publications were distributed outside the Society, serving as valuable records of cultural interactions
The "Jesuit Relations" offered insights into distant events and cultures
The series became well-known due to its continued publication and wide readership
The publications were important for recruiting support from Europe for the Jesuit missionaries

Native Americans showed initial curiosity about European technology and ingenuity
However, their cautious nature led to suspicions about European intentions
Savages were amazed by the French ships and their ability
Savages were wary of French intentions
Savages watched the movements of the French carefully and were armed and ready to defend themselves

Clashes in worldviews between Native Americans and Europeans caused misunderstandings, particularly concerning land ownership
Native Americans did not understand the concept of Europeans claiming land ownership
Native Americans viewed land as common resources
Cultural differences in worldview led to significant misunderstandings and conflicts with the French
European colonists viewed land as personal property

As European intentions became clearer, Native Americans felt disillusioned and resisted European encroachment on their lands
Savages questioned the motives of the French
Savages recognized European intentions to possess their lands
Native Americans fought back against perceived threat to their ways of life and territory
Increased European encroachment led to shifting relationships and escalating hostility

A Narragansett Chief called on other tribes to unite against the English colonists
He criticized English alterations of the environment – forests were being cut down for farms; rivers and streams were being used by the colonists, rather than the local tribes
The chief described the displacement of Native American resources and ways of life

A Micmac chief challenged European ideas of superiority to indigenous cultures
The chief argued the superiority of their lifestyle that included living off the land
The chief articulated that the indigenous cultures felt more comfortable

Samuel de Champlain's interactions with Native Americans focused on establishing fur trade connections
Champlain framed French colonization as a mutually beneficial partnership
Champlain worked to convince Native Americans of the benefits of the fur trade partnership

King Philip's speech, a criticism of European colonists and policies
Included criticism of European actions and policies that affected the Native Americans
Included the brutal treatment of indigenous people
Acknowledged the initial goodwill shown toward the Europeans but warned of the dangers of mistrustful interactions.

Accounts of the Pilgrims landing and taking land in ways uncharacteristic of civilized discourse.
Accounts showing the brutal treatment of indigenous peoples through injustice and violence