During their journey across America Lewis and Clark came into contact with many Indian tribes. They strived to maintain peace with all of the tribes throughout the country. They worked under the orders and blessings of President Thomas Jefferson to explain that the tribes lands were now part of the U.S. The Blackfeet, Assiniboin, Nez Perces, and Shoshones were a few of the tribes they met. After a few meetings they developed a meeting ceremony as well to make a good first impression.

The Assinibions
This Indian tribe lived in northeastern Montana and close regions of Canada. They were a hunting tribe that traded meat to the British for guns, kettles, and cloth. In the fall of 1804 the Assiniboins went south to the Mandan village learned of the Corps of Discovery. An Assinibion chief and a couple others met Lewis and Clark who gave them ribbons. The Assinibions threatened the Mandan's trade with the Americans with a challenge of battle. They then gave the same challenge to Lewis and Clark who later saw signs of the Assinibions and feared an attack.

The Blackfeet
The Blackfeet lived in northern Montana. They traded wolf an beaver furs for guns, ammo, and alcohol. The Blackfeet would then use the guns to conquer their rivals, the Shoshone and the Nez Perce. A small group from this tribe ran in to Lewis and Clark who told them of the U.S.'s goal for peace and that their rivals joined them. The Blackfeet were angered and tried to steal the Corps supplies but in return they killed two Indians. This led the Blackfeet to attack Americans and they eventually killed three Corps members.

Nez Perce
The Nez Perce  Indians lived in the plains west of the Rocky Mountains and didn't have guns like the other tribes near Canada. Nez Perce lived in roofless grass huts. They met the Corps and bought horses from their huge herd. The Corps had difficulty talking to the Nez Perce so they exchanged gifts. Lewis and Clark stayed with the Nez Perce on the return trip until the snow melted. The Nez Perce agreed as long as they got guns in return from the Corps.

Shoshones
The Shoshones lived east and west of  the Rockies in Buffalo teepees. The Lemhi Shoshones were great horse riders and warriors but they had become poor and hungry since their rivals drove them out of the buffalo hide. Lewis met them and gave them gifts and an American flag. Lewis and Clark bought horses from the Shoshones and in return the tribe wanted guns.

Lewis and Clark created a meeting ceremony for when they met a new tribe. They would explain that their land was part of the U.S and Thomas Jefferson was a new "great father" and gave them a peace medal and presents that were trade goods.

Information from http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/native/index.html Find more information and pictures here.