The first interactions between Indigenous peoples and Europeans officially took place at the end of the 15th century. In 1492, explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus arrived in America by ship. He landed in the West Indies, prompting the start of the great explorations.
These first interactions with Indigenous peoples were mainly with explorers and European fishermen. Some discussions were tense, others peaceful.
Each group had a significant impact on the other. Europeans influenced the Indigenous peoples’ way of life in many ways, while also receiving their invaluable help to survive and settle in this vast and inhospitable wilderness.
To find out more about the first interactions between Indigenous peoples and Europeans, check out the following concept sheets:
