Original:  The Europeans met the Mikmaq people before the Wlastkwewiyik, and adopted Malesse'jik as Malcite in French for the people, not understanding that it was not their true name.
Revised:  The Europeans met the Mikmaq people before the Wlastkwewiyik, and transliterated Malesse'jik as Malcite in French for the people, not understanding that it was not their true name.
Edit intent: clarity