Lack of support and recognition for Native American identity Insert name: Institutional affiliation: Due date: From the period the initial colonies were developed in America, the relationship between white settlers and the Native American Indians started as respected friends but turned into hated enemies (Wilkinson, 2005). Americans were in competition with the American Indians for resources and lands throughout 1800s. Americans considered Indians as barbaric and uncivilized. However, most Americans valued Indians and appreciated their contributions to the American culture and history. Americans wished that with time the Native American Indians could be peacefully assimilated into American society. Religious organizations and churches sent missionaries to convert the Indians to join Christianity. The federal government promoted efforts to ensure that the Native Americans were civilized thus supporting the efforts that churches and colonies undertook (Kymlicka, 2007).