Final answer:
The "Digger Indians" were called such because they dug for edible plants like roots and tubers. This term is now considered outdated and pejorative. Their respectful and sustainable foraging practices contrasted sharply with the damaging behavior of miners during the California Gold Rush.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Digger Indians" was used to describe Native American groups because they were known to dig for edible plants such as roots and tubers to supplement their diet. This practice was particularly noted among Native American tribes in California, who foraged for foods like bulbs and tubers, which they dug from the ground—hence the name Digger. This term has since fallen out of use and is considered outdated and pejorative.
Survival for many Native Americans during the California Gold Rush era became challenging as miners encroached on their lands. The impact on their lifestyle involved more than just foraging; they were often forcibly removed from their lands, faced theft, violence, and abuse. Some miners even forced Native Americans to work their claims. This tragic history also includes the broader context of Native Americans harvesting natural resources sustainably and the unfamiliar and often damaging practices of the miners with regard to the environment and the indigenous population.