Conversation so far:
When did the Menominee first encounter Europeans?
In 1634, the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people witnessed the French explorer Jean Nicolet's approach and landing.
Which country were the Europeans which the Menominee first encoutered from?
The Menominee witnessed the French.

Question: Why were the French there?
Self-contained rewrite: Why were the French in Wisconsin near the territory for the Menominee?