How Native History Differs in Alaska and Hawai'i

CrashCourse

This educational video explores the distinct and complex histories of Indigenous peoples in the two non-contiguous United States: Alaska and Hawai'i. It contrasts the legal status of Native tribes in both states, highlighting a stark statistic: while 40% of all federally recognized tribes in the U.S. are in Alaska, there are zero in Hawai'i. The host, Che Jim, guides viewers through the timeline of colonization for both regions—from Russian fur traders and the U.S. purchase of Alaska to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by American businessmen. The video delves into key themes of sovereignty, land rights, and the lasting impacts of colonization. It explains the unique "corporation" model established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and contrasts it with the reservation system found in the lower 48 states. For Hawai'i, it covers the cultural history of the Kānaka Maoli, the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and the ongoing debate within the Native Hawaiian community regarding federal recognition versus independence. For educators, this resource is invaluable for teaching U.S. History, Civics, and Indigenous Studies. It moves beyond the standard narrative of westward expansion to cover the specific legal and political mechanisms used to acquire these territories. It provides clear explanations of complex concepts like "subsistence lifestyles," "sovereignty," and "annexation," making it an excellent tool for stimulating high-level classroom discussions about government responsibility, indigenous rights, and historical justice.