An alliance is a formal agreement or union between two or more groups or nations, typically for mutual benefits and protection. In the context of North American native tribes, an alliance would involve different tribes coming together to support and defend each other.
Related terms
Confederation: A confederation is a political union of different groups where each group retains its sovereignty but agrees to cooperate on certain matters. For example, the Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of six Native American tribes.
Treaty: A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more parties that establishes terms and conditions for cooperation or peace. Native American tribes often negotiated treaties with European settlers regarding land rights and trade relationships.
Diplomacy: Diplomacy refers to the art of managing international relations through negotiations and discussions rather than using force. Native American tribes engaged in diplomatic efforts with European settlers in order to protect their interests and maintain peace.