The evangelization of the Chilean natives, which was always a motive of special interest to the kings of Spain, received new impetus in the last years of the Austrian dynasty. By the royal decree of May 11, 1697, Charles II ordained the formation of a council for the missions of Chile and the establishment of a college in that country to educate the sons of the caciques of Arauco. Don Tomás Marín de Poveda, the governor, had the responsibility of putting into execution the commands of the monarch. He established the council and from its meetings resulted the foundation in Chilian of a college for natives.