Federal Lawsuit Pits Duwamish Tribe Against U.S. Government in Fight Over Tribal Recognition
Duwamish Tribe continues to fight for federal recognition promised to it 167 years ago
The Duwamish Tribe filed a lawsuit this week against the United States federal government in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to secure its tribal sovereignty that predates the founding of the United States. For the past 167 years, the Duwamish Tribe has fought to realize the promises made by the United States in the Treaty of Point Elliott, signed in 1855 by Chief Seattle on behalf of both the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes. Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown was on hand to lend her support and voice.
After filing the complaint on Wednesday, May 11, the legal team representing the Tribe from K&L Gates summarized the arguments in support of the Tribe’s federal recognition at an event featuring Tribal leadership, members, allies, and media at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center. From 1859, when the Treaty of Point Elliott was ratified, until at least 2001, Congress and other federal authorities have unambiguously recognized the Duwamish Tribe. Congress has never acted to terminate the Duwamish Tribe’s recognition or to limit its rights under the Treaty of Point Elliott. Yet, today, the U.S. Department of Interior refuses to officially recognize the Duwamish Tribe in violation of the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws.
There are real consequences for the 600-plus Duwamish Tribal members in the unjust denial of federal recognition, including denial of federal support for health, education, and anti-poverty programs and denial of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the commitment of the federal government to continued survival of the Tribe.
While it has been a long fight for federal recognition by the U.S. Department of Interior, the Duwamish Tribe continues to survive and thrive despite overdue acknowledgement. Momentum has been building publicly and politically in support of restoring federal recognition marked by over 100,000 people signing a petition for federal recognition, over 20,000 supporting the Tribe through the Real Rent Movement, and an upsurge in meetings with elected officials at the local, state, and national levels.