Sovereignty movements

Definition

Sovereignty movements are efforts by a group of people to gain political independence or self-determination, often based on ethnic, cultural, or historical identities. In the context of Hawaiian history, these movements focus on restoring the rights and autonomy of Native Hawaiians following historical injustices and colonization. They often seek to reclaim land, rights, and self-governance that have been lost over time due to external control and influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty movements in Hawaii gained momentum in the late 20th century as Native Hawaiians began to mobilize for their rights and recognition.
2. These movements often highlight the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and seek reparations for the loss of sovereignty.
3. A major focus of Hawaiian sovereignty movements is the restoration of land rights through initiatives like the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which was established in 1921.
4. Activists argue that sovereignty is essential for the preservation of Native Hawaiian culture, language, and identity.
5. The push for sovereignty has led to various forms of activism, including legal challenges, protests, and calls for legislative changes.

Review Questions

• How do sovereignty movements relate to issues of self-determination for Native Hawaiians?
  • Sovereignty movements are intrinsically linked to the concept of self-determination for Native Hawaiians as they strive to regain control over their land, culture, and governance. These movements advocate for the recognition of Native Hawaiians as a distinct people with rights to make decisions regarding their own future. This desire for self-determination has sparked a resurgence in cultural pride and awareness among Native Hawaiians, highlighting their historical struggles and aspirations.
• What historical events have fueled the sovereignty movements in Hawaii, particularly regarding land rights?
  • The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and subsequent annexation by the United States in 1898 are pivotal events that have fueled sovereignty movements in Hawaii. These actions resulted in significant loss of land and political power for Native Hawaiians. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was intended to address some of these issues by providing homesteads to Native Hawaiians, but many feel it fell short. Activists argue that these historical injustices necessitate reparative actions towards restoring sovereignty.
• Evaluate the impact of modern sovereignty movements on Hawaiian identity and political landscape.
  • Modern sovereignty movements have profoundly impacted both Hawaiian identity and the political landscape by fostering a resurgence of cultural pride among Native Hawaiians and reshaping discussions around governance. These movements challenge existing power structures by demanding recognition and rights that acknowledge historical injustices. The call for sovereignty has led to increased political engagement within Hawaiian communities and has influenced local policies, reflecting a broader movement toward addressing Indigenous rights and restoring traditional governance models.

Related terms

Self-determination: The right of a group to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Akaka Bill: A proposed legislation aimed at establishing a process for Native Hawaiians to gain federal recognition as a distinct political entity.

Land Back Movement: A movement advocating for the return of lands to Indigenous peoples who have been historically dispossessed.