People of Michoacan, Mexico

The Purepecha people were the only indigenous tribe never conquered by the Aztecs, who dominated all other native groups in Mexico at the time. Also known as Tarascan, a name given to them by outsiders, not what they call themselves. In 1530, Conquistador, Nuno de Guzman nearly decimated the entire Purepecha nation. In 1533 the Spanish Crown sent bishop Don Vasco de Queroga to help the Purepeca recover. His likeness stands in a fountain on Patzcuaro's main plaza. The local people today still speak of Don Vasco, as Tio Vasco (Uncle Eddie) as if he was recently deceased.