Bride Kidnapping - The Americas

The Americas

The practice of kidnapping children, teenagers and women from neighboring tribes and adopting them into the new tribe was common among Native Americans throughout the Americas. The kidnappings were usually non-traumatic and were a way of introducing new blood into the group. Adoptees were usually treated well and fully accepted into the group. Although the practice was considered normal by Native Americans, European settlers were horrified by it. Captured European women often settled down as adopted members of the tribe and refused "rescue" when it was offered.