Natives refer to the indigenous people who were already living in the Americas before European colonization. They had their own distinct cultures, languages, and societies.
Related terms
Colonization: Colonization refers to the process by which one country establishes control over another territory for economic or political purposes.
Assimilation: Assimilation is when individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits and customs of another group or society.
Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange involves the sharing and blending of ideas, practices, and beliefs between different cultures.