Which Native Alaskan Tribe had first contact with Europeans?

The Aleuts are recognized as the Native Alaskan tribe that had the first documented contact with Europeans. This contact is traced back to the 18th century when Russian explorers and fur traders arrived in the Aleutian Islands. The interaction between Aleuts and European explorers marked significant changes in the Aleut culture, economy, and daily life.

The timing and nature of this contact are critical for understanding the historical impact on the Aleut people. They were among the first indigenous populations to experience European influence due to their geographical location, which made them more accessible to exploratory ventures from Russia compared to other Native Alaskan tribes.

In contrast, the Inupiat and Yupik tribes, while they certainly encountered Europeans later, typically had their first contacts occurring after the initial interactions that the Aleuts had experienced. The Chipewyan, primarily located in Canada, did not have contact until after the prominent interactions in Alaska, which differentiates their timeline from that of the Aleuts.