The Duwamish Tribe is grateful for the continued spotlight on our tribe's 167-year struggle for justice. We have long stood for unity and integrity as the matriarchal tribe of Chief Seattle. The story in the Seattle Times demonstrates the harmful divisions created by the United States government’s colonial divide and conquer policies then and now, systematically diminishing First Peoples, denying representation, and continuing to perpetuate multigenerational trauma and abuse. The cycle of division and trauma must stop.
As the Seattle Times Editorial Board endorsement thoughtfully stated in support of our petition for recognition, the time is now to recognize the Duwamish tribe.
The Duwamish Tribe will not be erased. Against all odds, we stand by our history, traditions, and tribal leadership. We support other tribes who have yet to receive federal recognition like the Chinook, Snohomish, and Steilacoom. We also honor tribes who have been fortunate enough to have received formal acknowledgment by the United States. We will continue to engage in peaceful outreach efforts to acknowledged tribes in the spirit of unity.
We hope our Open Letter to our sisters and brothers of all tribes, the community at large, and policy makers is received in the spirit of goodwill and hope.
Our fight is not with any tribe but remains focused on holding the United States government to its promise.
On behalf of the Duwamish Tribal council,
Thank you most sincerely,
Cecile Hansen
The Duwamish are the “People of the Inside”. They are rooted to this place and these waters. They demand accountability for their People today and for all the generations to come. Now is your chance to act: Take action today and sign the petition.
Duwamish Tribe & Environmental Advocacy