Timeline by

Should the Duwamish Tribe be federally recognized?

25zwilson — 2025-03-19 17:28:52 UTC

The Duwamish Tribe should be a federally recognized tribe because of their historical ties to Seattle, and because of the misleading nature of the Treaty of Point Elliot

Point Elliott Treaty

25zwilson — 2025-03-19 17:38:23 UTC

The Treaty of Point Elliott guaranteed hunting and fishing rights and reservations to all Tribes represented by the Native signers. In return for the reservation and other benefits promised in the treaty by the United States government, the Duwamish Tribe exchanged all of the land that they had previously settled on.

Construction of the Ballard Locks/ Straightening the Duwamish River

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:45:56 UTC

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began constructing the Ballard Locks and straightening the Duwamish River. These projects dramatically altered the tribe's traditional fishing grounds and impacted their way of life, affecting their ability to maintain cultural practices and livelihoods.

https://www.knkx.org/news/2017-07-03/creation-of-ballard-locks-left-one-tribe-high-and-dry

Start of the Long Road to Recognition

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:46:44 UTC

During the 1970s, the Duwamish Tribe began organizing to seek federal recognition, joining other Indigenous groups in their quest for acknowledgment of their rights and history. Advocacy continued in subsequent decades with increased efforts to highlight their struggle.

Clinton Administration Accepts Recognition, But Bush Reverses it.

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:51:55 UTC

Under President Bill Clinton’s administration, the Duwamish Tribe’s petition for federal recognition was accepted. However, because President Bush came into office shortly after, he reversed it, and leaves the Duwamish high and dry.

https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/duwamish-tribe-denied-recognition-1067132.php

Washington State Governor Signs a Resolution Supporting Duwamish Recognition

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:52:34 UTC

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed a resolution in support of the Duwamish Tribe’s federal recognition. Governor Jay Inslee signed the resolution, acknowledging the tribe’s historical and cultural significance to the region. This was seen as a step forward in gaining broader political and public support, putting additional pressure on the federal government to reconsider their recognition status.

Duwamish Tribe wins new chance at federal recognition

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:54:32 UTC

A recent federal court ruling gives the Duwamish Tribe a new chance in their fight for federal recognition, ordering the federal government to reconsider their petition and allowing the tribe to submit new evidence. The tribe's goal is to establish a government-to-government relationship and access federal programs, which they briefly had under the Clinton Administration but lost under the Bush Administration.

Closing Argument

25zwilson — 2025-03-25 00:55:28 UTC

The Duwamish Tribe deserves federal recognition because of their long history and continued presence in the region, dating back to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. Recognition would help them access important resources and support their community. Despite many challenges, the tribe’s fight shows their determination to be acknowledged for their role in the Pacific Northwest's history.