Despite their proximity to the mainland, the coral-fringed islets are among the most virgin in Indonesia. Their first contact with the Europeans came in the 16th century with the arrival of Spaniards and Portuguese spice traders. However, it wasn't until the Dutch landed on their shores that they became totally Christianized. Dutch influence grew, subduing indigenous traditions. Minahasa refers to the confederacy of tribes.
Monuments bear evidence of ancient systems of tribes and clans.
The western part of the province, Bolaang Mongondo and Gorontalo were formerly small Moslem principalities till the turn of the century. The southern coast is inhabited by sea nomads, a separate ethnic group which originated in the west coast of the Malay peninsula, now slowly disappearing. Remains of the Mokodompis kingdom are found in Sangir Talaud where the people are Christians as well. But there are distinct differences among these four large ethnic groups which are each composed of several tribes using their own dialects, as well as having different staple foods. Sago is to the people of Sangir Talaud, what corn is to the people of Gorontalo, and rice to Bolaang Mongondow and Minahasa.