They knew back then they were the lost tribes and hid it.
I also want to point out the fact that the Iriquoix nations were part of the WESTERN ROMAN GOVT...
They were melanated/Black in the south and northern coasts..Cherokee also...many more.
Cherokee were actually part of Moorish empire were royalty along with the Creeks. They were doing business with the elite in Europe and as most of the powerful tribes had been married into the bloodlines. Native Americans were taken over GENETICALLY as well enslaved.
Much moor to the story....
Be in peace God speed.
Clint-ND