In August of 1784, Grigory Shelikhov, an influential Russian fur trader and entrepreneur, ordered an assault on a refuge where the Alutiit people had sought shelter on Sitkalidak Island, part of the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. The Alutiit, the indigenous people of the surface region, had faced increasing pressures from Russian settlers in their territory, particularly due to the fur trade. Shelikhov's motivations were rooted in a desire for domination in the lucrative fur resource market, which was rapidly becoming a driving force behind Russian colonization efforts.

The attack resulted in the deaths of over 500 Alutiit individuals, marking a devastating moment in the history of indigenous populations in the region. Shelikhov's forces, seeking to eliminate resistance and claim control over local resources, presented a military approach that would define future dealings between colonizers and indigenous peoples. This brutal massacre was not an isolated incident but part of a larger campaign of violence that aimed to secure Russian interests on the North American continent, ultimately leading to significant changes in the demographics, culture, and socio-economic structures of the area.

The immediate aftermath of the massacre saw increased tensions between native groups and Russian traders, further leading to a climate of fear and displacement among the indigenous populations. Over time, the effects of this violent encounter contributed to the long-lasting impacts on the Alutiit, as they dealt with not only the loss of life but also the encroachment of Russian settlement and economic exploitation.