- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
In Hawai’i, July 31 is a holiday: Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day.
King Kamehameha III established this holiday in 1843, in a days-long celebration following the rightful return of sovereign government to Hawaiʻi, after the United Kingdom had made an illegal seizure of their land.
Kamehameha III proclaimed, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono,” meaning, ‘the ea (sovereignty, life, breath) of our land is perpetuated through justice.’
After decades of suppression, the celebrations of sovereignty were revived in 1985 by Uncle Kekuni Blaisdell and other kānaka aloha ʻāina “as a way to give voice to Hawaiian independence and to issues surrounding the return and demilitarization of Hawaiian lands,” according to the La Hoihoi Ea website.
Celebrations will be happening all day in Hawai’i and with family, relatives, and community around the world.
Learn more.
More Stories Like This
50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal RelationsNavajo Citizens Facing Identity Challenges During ICE Deportation Raids
Cherokee Nation Reaches $80M Federal Settlement in Trust Case
Tribal Council Keeps Roads Open as Federal Judge Rules on Lac du Flambeau Dispute
Wisconsin Tribe Plans Nightly Road Closures in Easement Dispute
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
