Ceded lands

Definition

Ceded lands refer to the lands that were given up or transferred by one party to another, often through treaties or agreements. In Hawaii's context, this term is closely linked to the land that was taken from the Hawaiian monarchy after the overthrow in 1893 and subsequently ceded to the United States, which has had lasting implications for native rights and land use in modern Hawaii.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ceded lands constitute about 1.8 million acres of land in Hawaii that were formerly under the control of the Hawaiian monarchy.
2. The U.S. government took control of ceded lands through a series of events including the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and subsequent annexation.
3. Ceded lands are managed by the State of Hawaii, but they are often a subject of dispute regarding their use and the rights of Native Hawaiians.
4. The Supreme Court case 'Rice v. Cayetano' in 2000 further highlighted issues surrounding ceded lands, particularly in terms of voting rights related to land management.
5. The ongoing movement for Hawaiian sovereignty includes calls for the return of ceded lands to Native Hawaiians, reflecting a broader struggle for recognition and rights.

Review Questions

• How did the transfer of ceded lands impact the relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States?
  • The transfer of ceded lands has deeply strained relations between Native Hawaiians and the United States. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the cession of these lands led to a significant loss of sovereignty and self-determination for Native Hawaiians. This loss has fueled ongoing tensions over land rights, cultural preservation, and calls for reparations or restoration of these lands to their rightful heirs.
• Discuss the legal implications of ceded lands as they relate to contemporary Hawaiian sovereignty movements.
  • Ceded lands play a crucial role in contemporary Hawaiian sovereignty movements, as many advocates seek legal recognition of Native Hawaiians' rights over these lands. The complexities around ownership, management, and usage continue to be legally contested in courts, reflecting broader societal issues regarding colonial history and native rights. Legal cases like 'Rice v. Cayetano' illustrate how ceded lands are intertwined with citizenship rights and political representation for Native Hawaiians.
• Evaluate the significance of historical treaties and laws concerning ceded lands in shaping modern Hawaiian identity and politics.
  • The historical treaties and laws regarding ceded lands have fundamentally shaped modern Hawaiian identity and political discourse. They symbolize not only a legacy of colonialism but also a persistent struggle for recognition and justice among Native Hawaiians. By examining these treaties, such as those involved in the annexation process and the Apology Resolution, one can understand how these legal frameworks continue to influence current advocacy efforts aimed at restoring rights and redefining relationships with both state and federal governments.

Related terms

Hawaiian Kingdom: The sovereign nation of Hawaii that existed prior to its overthrow in 1893 and annexation by the United States in 1898.

Apology Resolution: A formal acknowledgment by the U.S. Congress in 1993 of the U.S. role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and an apology to Native Hawaiians for the injustices they suffered.

Kuleana Act: A law passed in 1850 that allowed native Hawaiians to claim land ownership, which has historical significance in understanding land rights related to ceded lands.