Native American Colonial Roles

The role of Indians in the creation of the European Colonies Europeans learned so much from Indians. In fact, Indians taught the Europeans the strategies of survival in general. The Native Americans showed the Europeans the art of hunting, gathering, fishing and also planting and taking care of crops. In general, the Europeans were taught how to live in harmony with nature by the Indians. According to Onate, Europeans came from an environment that was focused more on industrialization and riches than the beauty and lively hood that nature had to offer. They found it hard to understand how to live in a place full of green vegetation, fresh air, and clean water as the Indians. Even though the Europeans were reluctant in adopting the ways of …show more content…
The Indians were also supportive and assisted in facilitating the process of establishing the colonies. The notion that God provided the environment to take care of them triggered the need for them to protect the environment from any harm. This is demonstrated in the way the Indians were involved in the major historical events during this era. For instance, they did not act as a passive group but they ensured that they were part and parcel of all happenings. On the other hand, the Europeans were more involved in work and creating more wealth for themselves. As is seen with Planter Nathaniel Bacon whose hate and anger for the Indians and their reluctance to forfeit their land easily to the Europeans resulted in war and slaughter of all the Native Americans that lived nearby. All the Europeans cared about was becoming powerful and commanding respect from the other colonies, slaves and Indians. Planter Nathaniel Bacon asserted that the Europeans started cutting ties with the Indians to show that their country, cultures and race were superior compared to the Native Americans. Although, they felt this was true they still needed the Indians knowledge of how to work the land and obtain the riches such as furs and wampum. Due to the Europeans determination to obtain land and power to establish the colonies and wealth it promised the Indians were forced in some instances to side with the Europeans to fight or retreat and surrender the land as they knew it which allowed the colonies to be created. Along with the land being acquired the Indians also were participants in public relations and power for the new