Who did the explorers discover already living in the west?

The explorers who ventured into the western regions of North America encountered various Indigenous peoples who had been living there for thousands of years. Tribes such as the Sioux, Navajo, and Cherokee, among many others, had established rich cultures, languages, and societies long before European contact. These groups had intricate systems of trade, governance, and spirituality that were deeply connected to the land. The arrival of explorers often led to significant disruptions in their lives and cultures.