Slavery and Native American Relations: Seeking Refuge Among the Tribes

The complex relationship between Native Americans and African Americans during the era of slavery is often romanticized by modern activists and historians. However, the reality is a far more nuanced and sometimes contradictory story. While some African Americans did find refuge among certain Native American tribes, the notion of a unified and friendly alliance between the two groups is not accurate.

Did Slaves Seek Refuge Among Native Americans?

Slaves did occasionally seek refuge with Native American tribes, but this was far from universal. In some instances, Native Americans captured and enslaved African Americans, mirroring the actions of European colonizers. The ethnocentrism of many Native American tribes also played a significant role. Tribes did not always have a kinship with African Americans simply because they were both subject to oppression.

For those slaves who did find refuge, it was often due to the practical utility they provided rather than any sense of shared identity or shared struggle. Some African Americans were accepted as part of the tribal family, and in some cases, they became scouts or hostlers. Others were held as slaves or taken as prizes in raids. So, while some individuals found freedom or a different form of servitude, the overall picture is characteristically mixed and complex.

Cases of African Americans Finding Refuge

Some notable exceptions exist. For instance, the friendship between an African American who accompanied Lewis and Clark and Native American women is one such interesting case. In other situations, African American slaves who ran away chose not to seek out new slave owners but to join tribes where they could escape the oppressive aspects of their former lives.

Notable tribes with documented history of accepting African Americans include the Cherokee, Creek, Mohawk, and others. These tribal histories offer insight into the diverse experiences of African Americans within Native American communities during the slavery era.

Cherokee and Slavery

While Cherokee did own some slaves, particularly prior to the Trial of Tears, their numbers were relatively small. Moreover, they did not enslave runaways who came to them. The societal norms and structures of these tribes were complex and often influenced by the surrounding colonial context.

For a deeper understanding of the relationship between Native Americans and African Americans during the era of slavery, you might find this article on Indian Country Media Network insightful.

In conclusion, while some African Americans did seek refuge among Native American tribes, their experiences were varied and often influenced by practical and economic factors rather than shared identity. The history of these interactions highlights the complex and sometimes tragic aspects of the era of slavery in the United States.