What caused the conflict between the Aleuts and Karana's people?

The main conflict is caused by greed. The Aleuts brought Captain Orlov and his men to hunt otter, and Karana's father bargained with them for their right to hunt. The problems between them begin when Karana's father, Chief Chowig, refuses to share their food with the hunters, citing that the sea bass will only provide enough food for his people. The conflict excalates when Orlov refuses to pay the negotiated price for the otter pelts, and his men kill the majority of the tribesmen, including Karana's father.