History of Alaska/Alaska Natives

First Landing and Contact with AK Natives

Jul 16, 1741

Vitus Bering first sighted Mt. St Elias and went ashore in 1741.

First White Settlement in AK

Jul 1, 1784

The first white settlement in AK was established on Kodiak Island.

AK claimed as Russian land

Oct 1, 1799

Czar Paul claimed Alaska as a Russian possission and was the first Russian governor of Ak.

First Mission School Established for Eskimos

May 5, 1843

US bought Alaska from Russia

Mar 30, 1867

Oct. 18 is now celebrated as "Alaska Day"

Use of English in Indian Schools

Sep 1, 1887

Gold Found, led to Klondike Gold Rush

Period: Jan 1, 1896 to Dec 31, 1897

Homesteads Allotted to Natives

Jan 1, 1906

Alaska Became a Territory

Aug 24, 1912

Indian Citizen Act

Oct 1, 1924

Alaska Natives were granted citizenship without losing their tribal rights or property.

Alaska Flag Created

Oct 1, 1926

The AK flag was created by a 13 year old boy, Ben Benson.

Alaska Became a State

Jan 3, 1959

Alaska Statehood Act

Oct 1, 1959

Includes provision to not take lands of native people.

ANCSA

Dec 23, 1971

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act became law.

"Molly Hootch" Case Settled

Oct 1, 1976

The "Molly Hootch" Case was settled with commitment by the state to provide local schools for Alaska Native communities.