The number fell to 17 by 1901, with the last native islanders leaving about 1910.

In the 18th century the population was over fifty, but the last native islanders had left by 1931.

Some has even come from native islanders, who wonder why children should be taught a language they'll rarely have cause to use.

It is reported that most of the native islanders survived the tsunami because they live on higher ground or far from the coast.

And its preservation means everything to many native islanders.

The Russians ordered the native islanders off the island, then built a vast communications center.

However, it was destroyed in 2005 by a storm, much to the chagrin of native islanders.

Although the population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than 50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office.

The new arrivals continued to intermarry with the native islanders.

His rationale is that one must be a native islander to participate, and the women are all foreign-born.