Federal Recognition for the Duwamish Tribe
Federal Recognition for the Duwamish Tribe
The Issue
WHO ARE THE DUWAMISH?
The Duwamish are the First People of present-day Seattle, and are the original stewards of this land. Since time immemorial, the Duwamish Tribe has maintained their ancestral home in traditional, sustainable ways for the benefit of all. Seattle is built upon and thrives on the lands of the Duwamish People, and the City still carries the name of the Tribe’s most well-known leader, Chief Si’ahl (Seattle).
Chief Si’ahl of the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes of Indians was the lead signatory of the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, and that agreement has never been invalidated. Yet the U.S. Government has continually failed to give the Duwamish People their rightful recognition.
This is an injustice that has persisted for far too long. The Duwamish Tribe’s leadership has fought long and hard to hold the U.S. Government accountable for the promises made in the Treaty more than 165 years ago. They are still waiting.
Federal recognition does not create a tribe, but honors the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the United States. It is also vital to protecting the cultural integrity of the Duwamish People.
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. The Duwamish are counting on you.
SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION TODAY!
Petition Starter
We are people who stand with the Duwamish Tribe of Indians.
Media inquiries121,227
The Issue
WHO ARE THE DUWAMISH?
The Duwamish are the First People of present-day Seattle, and are the original stewards of this land. Since time immemorial, the Duwamish Tribe has maintained their ancestral home in traditional, sustainable ways for the benefit of all. Seattle is built upon and thrives on the lands of the Duwamish People, and the City still carries the name of the Tribe’s most well-known leader, Chief Si’ahl (Seattle).
Chief Si’ahl of the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes of Indians was the lead signatory of the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, and that agreement has never been invalidated. Yet the U.S. Government has continually failed to give the Duwamish People their rightful recognition.
This is an injustice that has persisted for far too long. The Duwamish Tribe’s leadership has fought long and hard to hold the U.S. Government accountable for the promises made in the Treaty more than 165 years ago. They are still waiting.
Federal recognition does not create a tribe, but honors the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the United States. It is also vital to protecting the cultural integrity of the Duwamish People.
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. The Duwamish are counting on you.
SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION TODAY!
Petition Starter
We are people who stand with the Duwamish Tribe of Indians.
Media inquiries121,227
The Decision Makers
Maria CantwellU.S. Senate - Washington
Awaiting response
Patty MurrayU.S. Senate - Washington
Awaiting response
Pramila JayapalU.S. House of Representatives - Washington 7th Congressional District
Awaiting response
Supporter Voices
Featured Comments
The Duwamish gave their land to let settlers create Seattle but they’ve never been paid. Federal recognition is the least we can do. It’s time.
I support Duwamish sovereignty. Treaties are supposed to be the supreme law of the land, and the U.S. has trampled on Native nations' treaty rights since its inception. Federal recognition honors the nation-to-nation relationship the Duwamish Tribe always has had with the U.S.
It is appalling to consider the actions and inactions of the settlers who struck treaties with the original inhabitants and then refused to carry out their side of those agreements. The Duwamish people have been disrespected enough. It is time to do what can now be done to set this matter to rest. I applaud all who take action to set the record str...
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Petition created on February 3, 2021