Kanaka (Pacific Island worker)

Common card · No. 359774

Kanakas were workers (a mix of voluntary and involuntary) from various Pacific Islands employed in British colonies, such as British Columbia (Canada), Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Queensland (Australia) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They also worked in California (United States) and Chile (see also Easter Island and the Rapa Nui). Kanaka originally referred only to Native Hawaiians, from their own name for themselves, kānaka ʻōiwi or kānaka maoli. Kanaka means 'man' in the Hawaiian language, and kānaka is its plural meaning 'men'. In the Americas in particular, native Hawaiians were the majority; but Kanakas in Australia were almost entirely Melanesian. In Australian English kanaka is now avoided outside of its historical context, as it has been used as an offensive term.

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