b) Jean Nicolet

Jean Nicolet, a French explorer, was the first European to venture into the Great Lakes in 1634, significantly contributing to the mapping and exploration of the region. Nicolet’s journey into the heart of the continent was part of France’s effort to establish trade routes and alliances with Native American tribes. His explorations helped to open up the Great Lakes area to further exploration and fur trade, playing a key role in the early history of French colonial expansion in North America.