Final answer:
Don Juan de Oñate was a Spanish conquistador who established the first permanent Spanish settlement in present-day New Mexico, contributing to the colonization of the region by Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Don Juan de Oñate was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who played a significant role in the colonization of New Mexico in the 16th century. He led an expedition that established the first permanent Spanish settlement in present-day New Mexico, known as San Juan de los Caballeros. Oñate is important because he was responsible for the initial establishment of Spanish presence in the region, leading to further Spanish colonization and influence in the Southwest.