User:Vhvanessa/Alaska Natives

Alaskan Natives came from Asia. Anthropologists have stated that their journey from Asia to Alaska was made possible through the Bering land bridge or by traveling through the sea.

During an expedition, Vitus Bering spotted Alaska. Alaskan Natives first came into contact with Russians in the 18th century. Time of contact with Russians varied through each native group since the Alaskan natives groups were spread throughout Alaska. Alaskan Natives became exposed to foreign diseases and many became ill. In the 1850's Russia lost much of its interest on Alaska.

Alaska has many natural resources. Alaska's natural resources along with its gold caught the attention of the United States. Alaska became part of the United Stated in 1959 upon President Dwight D. Eisenhower recognizing Alaska as the 49th state.

Since Jim Crow law were imposed, it led to segregation amongst Alaskan Natives and Americans. Buildings would even have signs saying that no natives were allowed. There was also segregated schools. In 1980, there was a court case where a child was not allowed to attend a school with Americans because his step father was native. A child that was part native and part American would only be allowed to attend a school with American children if the family has abandoned their culture. This means that they could no longer speak their native language, wear traditional native clothing, be amongst other natives, eat native foods, or practice any native religion.

Article Draft