Writing by an Ottawa war chief named Pontiac (1763)

Question

“Before those whom you call your brothers come on your lands, did you not live by bow and arrow? You had no need of gun nor powder, nor the rest of their things, and nevertheless you caught animals to live and clothe yourselves with their skins, but when I saw that you inclined to the evil, I called back the animals into the depths of the woods, so that you had need of your brothers to have your wants supplied and I shall send back to you the animals to live on. I do not forbid you, for all that, to suffer amongst you the children of your father. I love them, they know me and pray to me, and I give them their necessities and all that they bring to you, but as regards those who have come to trouble your country, drive them out, make war on them. I love them not, they know me not, they are my enemies and the enemies of your brothers. Send them back to the country which I made for them. There let them remain.”

What does this source suggest about the attitudes or beliefs of some Native Americans during Period 3?

Answer 1

This source suggests that some Native Americans during Period 3, specifically the Ottawa war chief named Pontiac, had a strong sense of independence and resistance against the encroachment of European settlers on their lands. Pontiac emphasizes the self-sufficiency of his people before the arrival of the Europeans, stating that they lived by bow and arrow and were able to sustain themselves without the need for European tools like guns and powder. He also expresses a sense of control and power over the natural resources of their land, as he claims to have called back the animals into the depths of the woods, forcing the Native Americans to rely on trade with the Europeans for their necessities.

Pontiac's language also highlights his distrust and animosity towards the European settlers. He refers to them as those who "trouble your country" and "the enemies of your brothers." He urges his people to drive them out and make war on them. This suggests a strong desire to protect their land and way of life from intrusion and aggression.

Overall, this source indicates that some Native Americans during Period 3 held a deep attachment to their traditional way of life and were determined to resist the influence and presence of European settlers on their lands.