Why are natural resources important and how can they be used? Objective Students will learn the value of natural resources and how the Ute Indians of central Colorado used natural resources to create tools. Students will also learn to distinguish between the studies of archaeology and paleontology. Background Indigenous people of the Americas have used natural resources available to them for tools, food, shelter and clothing for thousands of years. In North America, many indigenous people even mined minerals such as turquoise, copper and silver for decorative use. In the southwest region of th Duration: 60 Minutes.