Native Hawaiian protesters have been preventing the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) from being built on Maunakea (sometimes called Mauna Kea), Hawaii's highest mountain, since mid-July 2019. Maunakea is one of the most sacred spots to Native Hawaiians, with some of the best views of the skies in the world. The plan to build the telescope on Maunakea's peak is seen by many Native Hawaiians as the latest assault to their rights to their ancestral territory. The events on Maunakea raise serious concerns about the United States' treatment of indigenous peoples and Native Hawaiian sovereignty claims.
This Teaching Idea from Facing History and Ourselves provides historical context for the Thirty Meter Telescope demonstrations and allows students to investigate why many Native Hawaiians oppose its construction.
Access this resource HERE
Happy Teaching!