17 Conclusions

Hispanic presence in the current state of Oregon, as well as in the other territories of the northwestern coast of the United States, began as exploration and discovery, and later acquired, with the knowledge of the presence of other powers in the area, a diplomatic, commercial and military posture.. Relations with the Natives, though, were not generally of a dominant or violent nature. Thus, in the 1774 expedition of Juan Pérez Hernández, the instructions regarding how to carry out relations with the Natives found during the navigation and exploration of the coasts were clear in this regard. These instructions, given by Viceroy Bucareli, would have a decisive influence on the following expeditions of that century, establishing in them that “nothing will be taken from the Indians against their will, if it were not for ransom, or by them giving it out of friendship; everyone should be treated with kindness and gentleness, which are the most powerful means of attracting them and leaving esteem ingrained.”^[1] These instructions also stated:

 (…) under no pretext should they be harassed, nor their land taken by force; because when in some place there are difficulties, he will be able to practice it in its vicinity, taking into account that his main task is reduced to the reconnaissance of the coast in all the latitude that he can navigate, to know if there is a foreign establishment in it, and to bring news of the difficulties, or proportions , for a better examination of the knowledge acquired.^[2]

In addition, as pointed out by Hispanic period scholar Enriqueta Vila, during the Spanish presence the Native population of the hwest coast remained at stable levels, and were even able to safeguard many of their customs.^[3] It was the gold rush of the second half of the 19th century, and the arrival of thousands of immigrants from the east, mostly American miners, that gave rise to what some have described as a “demographic hecatomb.”

The process that led to the destruction of the Native peoples of the Western territory of the United States, and the disappearance of their ancient customs did begin with the first contacts with the Hispanic navigators. It accelerated progressively through the centuries, until it fundamentally ravaged their population. Vindicating a part of history should never happen at the cost of hiding disasters, misfortunes, and darkness. But we also cannot forget that the Hispanic presence in the northwest region was essentially characterized by its eagerness for exploration (16th and 17th centuries) and by their later enlightened scientific endeavors (18th century) regarding the study and the description of the territories, the villages, and the cultures that Hispanic navigators and explorers had the opportunity of seeing during their travels along the West Coast.