Final answer:
Indigenous peoples are the original ethnic groups of a territory prior to colonization or conquest, and they persist despite the centuries of challenges faced, contributing to global multiculturalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original ethnic groups to settle a previously unoccupied or newly conquered territory are referred to as Indigenous peoples. These groups are the original populations of a land and carry with them the culture and experiences from their Indigenous culture. Over the centuries, particularly since the end of the 15th century, many frontiers around the world have been claimed by established nations, often disregarding the sovereignty and rights of the Indigenous populations living there. The history of these groups in relation to settlers and colonizers is complex, involving displacement, conflict, and cultural assimilation, but also resilience and persistence of Indigenous cultures.
History of intergroup relations reveals that the arrival of European settlers, such as the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch, marked a period of conquest. The Europeans expanded across continents with superior weapons, often at the expense of Indigenous people's land and stewardship. An example of this can be seen in the United States, where Native American culture prior to European settlement is referred to as Pre-Columbian. Despite the conquest and colonization, the Indigenous people and their descendants continue to contribute to the multicultural fabric of societies around the globe today.