1. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
La Relacion
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

2. Meet the Author He came from a family of Spanish conquistadors
Appointed by the King of Spain to be the treasure and second in command for the expedition to Spanish north America
He was appointed governor of a South American colony by the king.

3. Things to know:
Historical Context : The ideas and details from the authors time that’s influence the written work
La Relacion is a primary source because it is an eyewitness report.

4. What is the story behind the glory?
Why do some people survive an ordeal while others perish? (With the person sitting next to you discuss this question and come up with a viable answer. Write the response in your day book. Be ready to share)

5. READ

6. Purpose for Reading:
As you read discover how the writer’s beliefs about Native Americans change as a result of his harrowing experiences. (write a two paragraph response in your day book after we read)

7. Summary
La Relacion opens with Cabeza de Vaca and his dying men adrift on a barge. They wash ashore on Galveston Island, where the Karankawa Indians welcome and feed them. When the conquistadors embark again, their barge capsizes, and the starving survivors return to shore. The Karankawas care for them again, but when disease spreads throughout the island the Native Americans make the Spaniards serve as medicine men.

8. Text to World
Who are some of the explores of our world today?

9. Questions for Understanding
Who was the original audience for La Relacion?
What is the different between the way the Karankaws and the Spanish try and cure sickness?
What preconceived notions did the Spanish have about the Indians
Did the Karankawas’ actions support the conquistadors preconceived notions?
How much are the preconceived notions a person holds base on historical context rather than person experience
Answer question 7 on page 79