Why did native Americans wave the American falg when the militia attacked the sand greek massacre?

During the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, some Native Americans waved the American flag as a sign of their desire for peace and protection under U.S. law. They believed that displaying the flag would signal their loyalty and that they were under the protection of the U.S. government. Unfortunately, despite this gesture, the militia attacked, resulting in a tragic loss of life. This incident highlighted the complex and often violent relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government during that period.