RCC celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day by honoring Indigenous communities, with a special focus this year on the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities of Hawai‘i. More than a year ago, Maui endured one of the deadliest wildfires in recent U.S. history. This tragedy highlights the challenges faced by Native Hawaiians, whose land and resources have been impacted for centuries.
A Rich History of Stewardship and Survival
Indigenous Polynesians have been the caretakers of Hawai‘i since their ancestors sailed from present-day Tahiti between the 10th and 12th centuries, using the stars to navigate. Over time, each island developed its own distinct tribal society, thriving on fishing and cultivating crops like taro and plantains. In the late 18th century, Kamehameha I unified the islands, forming the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.
In 1778, Native Hawaiians (Kānaka ‘Ōiwi) first encountered Europeans when British Captain James Cook arrived at Waimea Bay. This contact led to a population decline, as diseases brought by Europeans decimated the Native Hawaiian community. As foreign interests grew, particularly American and European, Hawai‘i’s fertile lands were coveted for agriculture, notably sugar and pineapple plantations.
The Great Mahele land redistribution system in the 1840s, though meant to secure property for Hawaiians, opened the door to foreign land ownership. The 1850 Alien Land Ownership Act allowed foreigners to own land in Hawai‘i, leading to an influx of American companies and immigrant laborers from Japan, China and the Philippines to work on plantations. Lahaina, Maui, became a plantation town and was once home to Hawai‘i’s first commercial sugar mill, which operated until 1999.
Colonization and Cultural Suppression
In 1898, the United States annexed the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, following a coup by American businessmen, forcing Queen Liliʻuokalani to abdicate. Native Hawaiians were then subjected to cultural suppression, including being banned from speaking their language and practicing sacred traditions like hula.
Hawai‘i became a U.S. state in 1959. In the 1970s, a cultural revival was sparked by activists fighting for Native Hawaiian rights. This resurgence was marked by the successful voyage of the Hōkūle‘a, a traditional Polynesian vessel that sailed from O‘ahu to Tahiti, proving the skill and navigation techniques of early Hawaiians. In 1987, the Hawaiian language was reintroduced in schools, further restoring cultural pride.
Modern Challenges and the Legacy of Land Exploitation
Today, many Native Hawaiians feel their connection to the land (aina) is crucial to their identity and sustainability. However, decades of resource exploitation, first for agriculture and now for tourism, have strained natural resources in places like Lahaina. Water has been diverted to resorts and farms, contributing to drought conditions that left Lahaina vulnerable to the devastating fire, which was ignited by downed power lines.
Reflecting on Indigenous Contributions
As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the contributions of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Their history is one of courage, resilience and a deep connection to the land and sea. We invite you to learn more through the resources below.
About Indigenous Peoples’ Day
In 2021, Oregon became the 11th state to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day acknowledges the contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian communities. It is also a time to reflect on their ancestral homelands and reconsider the historical narratives that shape our understanding of their place in U.S. history.
Resources:
- Video (7 mins): How Did Polynesian Wayfinders Navigate the Pacific Ocean? – TEDEd
- Podcast (5 episodes): This Is Our Hawai‘i – Hawaii Public Radio
- Article: What Native Hawaiians Want You to Know Before Your Visit – By Savanah Rose Dagupion
- Article: What Travelers Need to Know About the Lahaina Fire, Water Rights, and Native Hawaiians – By Savanah Rose Dagupion
- Hōkūle‘a History: The Story of Hōkūle‘a – Polynesian Voyaging Society
- Podcast: How the Hawaiian Language Nearly Died and Activists Brought It Back – Code Switch
- History: Hawaiian Education System – Hawaii Public Schools
- Research Project: Native Response to Territorial Schools – University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education
- Article: Maui Faces a Severe Drought Problem – SFGATE
For more information, please contact Lucia Bartscher at LBartscher@roguecc.edu.