how do i establish contact with uncontacted civilizations?

[Transfem Bucky Beaver (Beav/Her)]

I settled in an area surrounded by civilizations of which mine hasn't contacted yet, is there a way I can contact them?

[Fel]

If what you want is war then yes, you can "contact" them by sending a squad of soldiers there.

Otherwise, just trade with your dwarven caravan, if they go back with plenty of benefits it will be noticed and they will send a trade caravan to you as well.
Usually you only get a caravan per species, and the dwarven caravan you get is from the nearest civilization (not necessarily yours).
That's pretty much your way of establishing friendly contact.

[Other]

If you want to establish peaceful contact with extra civilizations (more than 1 per species), a squad consisting of a single unarmed dwarf, on a mission to "demand tribute", is technically hostile, but won't generally upset them enough to declare war. They will laugh at the tribute demand, but it will let them know you exist, and after that they will send caravans in the appropriate season.

[Lucidess]

Originally posted by Other:

If you want to establish peaceful contact with extra civilizations (more than 1 per species), a squad consisting of a single unarmed dwarf, on a mission to "demand tribute", is technically hostile, but won't generally upset them enough to declare war. They will laugh at the tribute demand, but it will let them know you exist, and after that they will send caravans in the appropriate season.

Lol if that works i'm giving you an award, thanks! that's a hilarious way to contact other civilisations.

[TPark]

It works. I tried it. Doesn't even have to be an unarmed dwarf.