- Received Guidance and Assistance: Native American tribes, particularly the Shoshone, provided valuable guidance, knowledge of local terrain, and assistance in acquiring horses for their journey across the Rocky Mountains.
- Cultural Exchange: Lewis and Clark established friendly relationships with many tribes, leading to cultural exchanges, sharing of traditions, and learning about Native American customs.
- Intertribal Diplomacy: They served as mediators between different tribes, helping resolve conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
- Native American Collaboration: Several Native Americans, such as Sacagawea, played crucial roles as guides, interpreters, and cultural liaisons during the expedition, contributing to its success.
Negative Experiences:
- Cultural Misunderstandings: Differences in cultural perspectives sometimes led to misunderstandings and tensions between the expedition members and Native American tribes.
- Conflicts and Skirmishes: Although mostly peaceful, there were instances of conflicts and skirmishes with Native American groups, primarily due to misunderstandings and cultural clashes.
- Power Imbalance: The expedition represented the dominant and expanding presence of the United States government, which, in some cases, strained relationships with Native Americans who felt their sovereignty and way of life were under threat.
- Disease Transmission: The expedition inadvertently brought diseases, such as smallpox, to Native American communities that had no prior immunity, leading to devastating population losses and health crises.