Inhabitants of tough terrains seem to have an advantage over colonizers. With bodies that have adapted to the severe conditions found in high altitude environments, and a strong connection to the earth and sky where their native language can make sense of existence. Somehow, this does not offer enough protection from outside infiltration. The colonizers come and succeed, sometimes partially. It might be worse when the work isn't done because it leaves behind a trail of uncertainty, shame and the illusion of a "better" way.
Religion is the best tool to colonize but language is a close second. Introduce a group of people to a new way of speaking and interpreting their environment and you can guarantee a future mass-migration to a new place, most likely a city of immigrants all looking for the same thing. A place to fit in, to be valued and express their new identity.
