Why Some Native Hawaiians Protest the Term 'Native Americans'

Despite their distinct cultural and historical backgrounds, Native Hawaiians and Native Americans share common experiences and challenges regarding their recognition and identity. Historically, both groups faced significant colonial pressures and the loss of sovereignty through treaties with colonial powers. However, the English-speaking world, particularly the United States, tends to lump them together under a broad umbrella term: 'Native Americans.' While many Native Hawaiians embrace this label with pride, others vehemently object to it, citing a myriad of cultural and historical reasons. This article examines the reasons behind such protests and the importance of cultural nuance in such distinctions.

A Common Heritage: Recognizing Sovereignty and Colonialism

Both Native Hawaiians and Native Americans, along with other indigenous peoples, have a similar history of being recognized as sovereign nations through treaties with colonial powers. The concept of sovereignty involves the ability of a nation to govern itself and its people without outside interference. For Native Hawaiians, this period of sovereignty ended with the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. Her subsequent reinstatement under U.S. territorial rule continued until the annexation of Hawaii in 1898. Similarly, Native Americans faced the loss of their sovereignty through a series of U.S. policies and treaties, resulting in the reservation system and other forms of land and cultural suppression.

The Impact of Colonialism: Cultural Suppression and Interference

During the reign of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaiians faced not only political but also cultural suppression by the newly imposed U.S. governance. The Queen spent her last years under house arrest, effectively a political prisoner. This period marked the beginning of the significant cultural and linguistic shifts that Native Hawaiians have experienced since. Likewise, Native Americans have faced centuries of cultural and linguistic erasure through forced assimilation policies and boarding schools. These policies aimed to stamp out Native cultures and languages in favor of European-American norms and values.

The Term 'Native Americans' and Its Demotivations

Despite acknowledging these historical contexts, many Native Hawaiians feel that the term 'Native Americans' is problematic. For them, the term is far from an accurate representation of their identity and history. There are several reasons for this:

Geographical Inaccuracy: Hawaii is geographically and historically distinct from the Americas. To be classified under the same term as Native Americans, who have strong ties to the land and culture of what is now North, Central, and South America, is misleading. Political Exclusion: The term 'Native Americans' is often used to represent indigenous peoples across North and South America. This lacks specificity and does not reflect the unique historical and cultural experiences of Native Hawaiians. Cultural Misrepresentation: The cultural and linguistic diversity of Native Hawaiians is often overlooked under the term 'Native Americans.' Hawaii's indigenous culture is closely tied to the island environment, language, and traditions, which differ significantly from those of the mainland.

Moreover, many Native Hawaiians feel that the term 'Native Americans' is rooted in a sense of 'liberal guilt' and a form of racism. They argue that the rebranding of Native Hawaiians as 'Native Americans' reflects a paternalistic view that minimizes their distinct identity and experiences.

The Importance of Cultural Nuance

Protests against the term 'Native Americans' highlight the importance of recognizing cultural nuances in the context of indigenous identification. Both Native Hawaiians and Native Americans possess unique histories, languages, and traditions that deserve specific acknowledgment. By using broad terms like 'Native Americans,' the risk is that the distinct identities and experiences of these groups become smoothed over, leading to a loss of cultural richness and understanding.

Conclusion: Respect and Recognition for Distinct Identities

In conclusion, the concerns of some Native Hawaiians regarding the term 'Native Americans' emphasize the importance of respecting and recognizing distinct indigenous identities. While both groups have shared histories of colonialism and loss of sovereignty, their unique cultural and historical contexts require specific recognition. It is crucial to use language that accurately reflects the diversity and richness of indigenous experiences and to continue advocating for the preservation and celebration of these unique identities.