The Duwamish Tribe represents the Dxʷdəwʔabš, the indigenous people of Seattle and King County, Washington, whose ancestral lands span over 54,780 acres, including much of the present-day metropolis named after their great leader, Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle). Despite being the first signers of the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott, which ceded vast territories to the United States, the Duwamish Tribe has faced over 169 years of broken treaty promises and an ongoing struggle for federal recognition.
Through Duwamish Tribal Services (DTS) and the heart of their community, the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, the Tribe actively works to promote its social, cultural, political, and economic survival, preserve its rich heritage, and educate the broader public about its vibrant and enduring history. Their powerful message is clear: "We Are Still Here."
The Duwamish people have inhabited the lands around Elliott Bay, the Duwamish, Black, and Cedar Rivers since time immemorial, dating back over 10,000 years to the end of the last glacial period. Their stories, like "North Wind, South Wind," speak of deep connections to the land and water, thriving on the abundant resources of the Puget Sound. Traditionally, they were a Lushootseed-speaking Coast Salish people, with prominent villages and a rich culture centered around cedar longhouses, intricate weaving, skillful carving, and spiritual practices interwoven with the natural world.
Their paramount leader, Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle), became a pivotal figure in history, signing the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855 on behalf of both the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. This treaty, which promised a reservation and continued hunting and fishing rights in exchange for their ancestral lands, was ratified by the U.S. Senate in 1859. Tragically, these promises were quickly broken. Despite recommendations for a Duwamish reservation, lobbying by early Seattle settlers actively prevented its establishment, leading to the forceful displacement of the Duwamish people from their traditional homelands.
The Duwamish Tribe's defining contemporary struggle is their persistent pursuit of federal recognition. Federal recognition is not merely symbolic; it affirms the inherent sovereignty and government-to-government relationship between a tribe and the United States, granting access to crucial federal programs and benefits for housing, healthcare, education, and cultural preservation – resources promised in the 1855 treaty.
Opened in 2009, the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106) stands as a powerful symbol of the Tribe's resilience and enduring presence. It is a traditional cedar post and beam structure, designed in the Puget Salish Longhouse style, and serves as the central hub for the Duwamish people. It stands proudly near the mouth of the Duwamish River, not far from where one of their largest ancient villages, hah-AH-poos, once thrived.
The Longhouse is a vibrant space with multiple vital functions:
Initiatives like Duwamish Tribal Services' Heron's Nest program further exemplify their commitment to revitalizing traditional Coast Salish agricultural practices and fostering food sovereignty for the Duwamish and urban Native communities.
Recognizing the ongoing injustice of unfulfilled treaty promises, the Duwamish Tribe launched the "Real Rent Duwamish" initiative. This program invites individuals living on traditional Duwamish territory (which includes Seattle, Renton, Tukwila, Bellevue, and Mercer Island) to voluntarily pay "rent" directly to the Duwamish Tribe. This act acknowledges that non-Native residents are living on unceded ancestral land and provides crucial financial support for the Tribe's social, cultural, and political survival, including the operation of the Longhouse and their ongoing fight for recognition. It's a tangible way for individuals to participate in reconciliation and support the Tribe directly.
The Duwamish Tribe's story is a powerful reminder that history is not just about the past; it lives and breathes in the present, shaping realities and demanding justice. Their "We Are Still Here" message underscores their unbroken lineage, their vibrant culture, and their unwavering determination to achieve the federal recognition and treaty promises that are rightfully theirs. By learning about their history and supporting their efforts, individuals can play a part in honoring Chief Si'ahl's legacy and ensuring a more just future for Seattle's first people.
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