Obras duwamish timeline by Obras, Abigail

point elliot treaty (1855)

25aobras — 2025-03-19 17:14:29 UTC

The treaty of Point Elliot was signed on January 22nd, 1855, creating a government to government relationship between the Duwamish and US. This treaty ensured fishing and hunting rights to all of the tribes represented by Native signers. Over 54,000 acres of their homeland was exchanged in return for tis reservation, including Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Tukwila, and the majority of king county.

straightening of duwamish river (1909-1913)

25aobras — 2025-03-19 17:15:08 UTC

The straightening of the duwamish river began in October 14, 1913. its intention was to enhance navigation and support industrial growth. This involved dredging and reshaping the river to accommodate larger ships, which changed its natural flow and ecosystem. As a result, the river faced severe environmental consequences, including the destruction of wetlands, loss of habitats, and water quality problems

clinton/bush administration decision (2001)

25aobras — 2025-03-19 17:15:24 UTC

In the final days of Bill Clinton’s presidency, the U.S. government officially grants the Duwamish Tribe federal recognition. This decision is celebrated as a long-overdue acknowledgment of their tribal sovereignty, affirming their rights to self-governance, federal benefits, and legal protections. However, this victory is temporary, as the new Bush administration reverses the decision just months later, renewing the tribe’s fight for recognition and justice.

Industrialization of the Duwamish River (1890s)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:33:08 UTC

As Seattle rapidly expands, industries move into the area, using the Duwamish River as a transportation route and dumping ground. The river becomes lined with factories, mills, and shipyards, dramatically changing its landscape. Traditional Duwamish fishing villages along the riverbanks are displaced, forcing many to relocate or adapt to an increasingly urbanized way of life. Pollution starts to degrade the river’s water quality, affecting fish populations that the Duwamish have depended on for generations. This period marks the beginning of the tribe’s long battle against environmental destruction and loss of ancestral land. Story Map: The Lower Duwamish River, Passageway for Fish and Industry | response.restoration.noaa.gov

Heavy Industrial Pollution + Loss of Fishing Rights (1920-1950)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:33:45 UTC

As Seattle’s industries expand, factories and shipyards along the Duwamish River discharge massive amounts of toxic waste directly into the water. Heavy metals, petroleum products, and other pollutants accumulate, making the river one of the most contaminated in the United States. Meanwhile, state and federal policies restrict Native fishing rights, further marginalizing the Duwamish people. Many tribal members struggle to sustain their traditional way of life as their natural resources are taken from them.

1st petition for federal recognition (1978)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:36:42 UTC

The Duwamish Tribe formally applies for federal recognition, seeking legal acknowledgment and the benefits granted to recognized tribes. their petition faces delays and legal challenges over the next several decades.

Boldt decision (1970)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:36:46 UTC

A federal court ruling affirms that Washington tribes, including the Duwamish, have treaty-protected rights to fish in their ancestral waters. This decision strengthens indigenous sovereignty but does not resolve the Duwamish Tribe’s lack of federal recognition.

Bush administration on the recognition (2002)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:36:57 UTC

Shortly after taking office, the George W. Bush administration reverses the previous decision, stripping the Duwamish of federal recognition. This leaves the tribe without government support, funding, or the legal federal status afforded to other recognized tribes.

Duwamish River declares a superfund site (2014)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:37:03 UTC

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates the Duwamish River as a Superfund site due to decades of industrial pollution. Cleanup efforts begin, but contamination remains a significant issue for the river and the Duwamish people, who have long relied on its waters for fishing and cultural practices. The fight for a cleaner river remains tied to their struggle for tribal recognition and the preservation of their ancestral lands.

Ongoing fight for federal recognition (2022-present)

25aobras — 2025-03-25 04:37:07 UTC

The Duwamish Tribe continues its legal and political battle to regain federal recognition. Despite setbacks, they advocate for their treaty rights, cultural preservation, and acknowledgment as a sovereign nation, emphasizing the U.S. government’s historical promises that remain unfulfilled. the Duwamish remain eager in their fight for justice, seeking the same rights and resources afforded to federally recognized tribes.