Freneau uses the natural imagery of the poem to emphasize the connection between Native Americans and the land. The "dark, silent woods," "winding stream," and "groves of pine" symbolize a harmonious relationship with nature that stands in stark contrast to the colonial emphasis on progress and dominion. The speaker's description of the "rude stone" markers and the "unwritten names" further emphasizes the Native Americans' deep connection to their ancestral land and their rejection of European notions of individual ownership.
Through the poem, Freneau critiques the colonial perspective that views Native American culture as primitive and inferior. He challenges the dominant narrative of American identity by suggesting that the Native American way of life holds profound wisdom and a deeper understanding of nature. The poem's concluding lines, "They loved the woods, and lived with nature's laws, / They knew no fear, but what the forest taught," celebrate the resilience and dignity of Native Americans, implicitly questioning the legitimacy of colonial dominance. "The Indian Burying Ground" thus reveals the multifaceted nature of American identity, highlighting the historical injustices and cultural differences that continue to shape the nation's narrative.