Which Native Alaska tribe was the first to have contact with Europeans?

The Aleuts are recognized as the first Native Alaskan tribe to have significant contact with Europeans. Historical records indicate that European explorers and fur traders encountered the Aleut people in the 18th century, particularly around the time of the Russian exploration and colonization efforts in Alaska. The Aleuts inhabited the Aleutian Islands and were among the first indigenous groups to interact with Russian fur traders, which had a profound impact on their society and culture.

Their location along the Aleutian Islands made them accessible to these early European expeditions, leading to early trade relationships and cultural exchanges, albeit often detrimental due to the introduction of new diseases and economic exploitation. This early contact with European explorers set the stage for interactions with other tribes and the broader consequences of European colonization throughout Alaska.

In contrast, while the Inuit, Haida, and Tlingit also have rich histories and cultures, their significant encounters with Europeans occurred at later times. The Inuit of the Arctic regions, for example, began experiencing contact after the Aleuts, often through whalers and traders. The Haida and Tlingit, located in what is now British Columbia and Southeast Alaska respectively, had contact with Europeans later as well, particularly during the fur trade era in the 19th