The best description of the colonists’ relationships with Indigenous peoples in North America in early U.S. history is:
The relationship between Indigenous peoples and colonizers was a violent one.
This reflects the numerous conflicts, wars, and violent confrontations that occurred as colonists expanded their territories, often leading to significant suffering and displacement of Indigenous populations. While there were instances of trade and cooperation, these were often overshadowed by violent encounters and attempts to dominate and displace Indigenous peoples.