Why were the Native Americans so important in the clash between the French and the British?

I am assuming that you mean the French and Indian War which took place between 1756 and 1763.  Native Americans were highly valued by both the British and French during the war, and the European powers were able to use tribal animosities to their advantage during this conflict.  Native Americans knew the territory and could be used as scouts and guides for invading armies.  They could also be used to attack colonial settlements.  British and...

I am assuming that you mean the French and Indian War which took place between 1756 and 1763.  Native Americans were highly valued by both the British and French during the war, and the European powers were able to use tribal animosities to their advantage during this conflict.  Native Americans knew the territory and could be used as scouts and guides for invading armies.  They could also be used to attack colonial settlements.  British and French armies fought in linear formations and had to observe the laws of war; however, their Indian allies were not bound by these laws, and these native groups could be used to terrorize local civilian populations.  This happened often, especially in western areas.  Native groups could also attack the supply lines of the main armies.  Neither the British nor the French planned on maintaining long-term partnerships with these tribes after the war, but both nations used native warriors for their own benefit.