CHARLES WILLIAM JEFFREYS IMAGINES RADISSON MEETING AN INDIGENOUS LEADER. ARTSFILE.CA

Exploring the West for furs, French explorers Radisson and Groseilliers canoe along the south shore of Lake Superior. They meet the Dakota Indians, whom they call “Buffalo People,” and are probably the first Europeans to reach Minnesota.*

Lord Jesus, thank You for the meeting of Radission and Groseilliers and the Dakota Indians. Was this by chance, or was it orchestrated by You? What wonderful purposes were in Your mind to meld France to the Dakota peoples? What fantastic opportunities do You wrap up in our chance meetings?

I want to acknowledge before You any bitter judgements rooted in this event. I recognize the judgments made stemming from technological “superiority” or “inferiority.” Thank You for our inherent worth as human beings. Release us in the present from any wounds rooted in this meeting.

Will You send Your mercy from this event forward, and create  a heart of remorse, repentance, reconciliation, and a new relationship? Will You reverse any curse, and send Your blessing to the inheritors of this event, whether French, Native American, or Minnesotan?

Thank You that every tribe, tongue, and nation of people is equally loved by You.