How did treaty negotiations shape the narratives surrounding settler colonialism in the 19th century?

Treaty negotiations in the 19th century played a significant role in shaping the stories we tell about settler colonialism. These treaties were often agreements between Indigenous peoples and settlers, where land was exchanged for promises of protection, goods, or rights. However, many times the settlers did not honor these agreements, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. For example, the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851 was meant to protect Native American lands, but it was frequently violated by settlers seeking more land. As a result, these negotiations created narratives that often justified colonial expansion while ignoring the true experiences and rights of Indigenous peoples.