Which of the following groups significantly influenced New Mexico's cultural heritage?

The choice indicating that Hispanic settlers and Native Americans significantly influenced New Mexico's cultural heritage is accurate due to their deep historical connections and contributions to the region. Native Americans have inhabited the area for thousands of years, bringing their languages, religions, art forms, and agricultural practices. Their influence is evident in various aspects of New Mexico's culture, including traditional ceremonies, pottery, and agricultural knowledge.

Similarly, Hispanic settlers, who arrived during the Spanish colonization in the 16th and 17th centuries, brought with them their customs, language, architecture, and religious practices, like Catholicism. This blend of Spanish and Indigenous cultures helped shape a unique cultural identity that is distinctly visible in New Mexico today, manifested in its festivals, arts, and culinary traditions.

The combination of both groups' legacies is crucial in understanding the rich tapestry of New Mexican culture, which is characterized by their intertwined histories, traditions, and social practices. Other options highlight different groups but do not capture the full depth and significance of the interaction between Hispanic and Native American cultures in New Mexico.