The following is from a book published over 170 years ago by an Indian. It shows why there is such a great need even to this day for missions directed toward Native Americans.
The white men have been like the greedy lion, pouncing upon and devouring its prey. They have driven US from our nation, our homes, and possessions compelled us to seek a refuge in Missouri, among strangers, and wild beasts; and will, perhaps, soon compel us to scale the Rocky Mountains and, for aught I can tell, we may yet be driven to the Pacific Ocean, there to find our graves. My only trust is, that there is a just God. Was it to perpetrate such acts that you have been exalted above all other nations? Providence intended you for a blessing and not a curse to us. You have sent your missionaries to Burmah, China, the Sandwich Islands, and to almost every part of the world; and shall the Indians perish at your own. door?
O white man why did you not tell us before, that there was a better heaven than that of the Indian's? Did not the blessed Saviour command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature?" Reader, almost by the door of your churches, my forefathers perished for the lack of the bread of life, while you have reached out your arms, and extended your means for the relief of those in distant lands! O what a thought! Thousands have already perished, and thousands more will yet perish, unless converted to God! The thought of perishing! how insufferable! O, how intolerable! p. 63,64
