Learn about our lawsuit for federal recognition

How You Can Stand with the Duwamish Tribe:

DONATE to Real Rent Duwamish:

Stand in solidarity with First Peoples of this land by paying Real Rent. All Real Rent Duwamish funds go directly to the non-profit Duwamish Tribal Services to operate the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center and support the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe.

ENDORSE The Call for Recognition:

Join over 100,000 supporters by signing and sharing the petition in support of federal recognition for the Duwamish Tribe.

Help your organization join an ever-growing coalition of elected officials, faith groups, labor unions, businesses, and community organizations by filling out this simple form to endorse the Tribe’s acknowledgement efforts.

LEARN more about the Duwamish:

Discover more at the Duwamish Tribe and Real Rent Duwamish websites, attend events and exhibits at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center – a free museum, event space, and community center – or purchase educational materials at the gift shop.

• History of the Duwamish

• Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), daughter of Chief Seattle

• Treaty of Point Elliott (1855)

Advocate With your Elected Officials:

Asking your elected officials on the local, county, state, and national levels to restore recognition to the Duwamish Tribe helps reveal our broad, powerful, and diverse support for federal acknowledgement. Here are clear asks and specific targets that help build momentum in this moment:

Targets: U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and their staff

Ask: Schedule a time to meet with Tribal leaders and their allies at the Longhouse

Sample message:

Dear Senator,

I am a voter, taxpayer, and strong supporter of the Duwamish Tribe and their long overdue efforts to restore federal recognition. 167 yrs ago the Duwamish Tribe, via their chief Si'ahl, was signatory to the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855. In January of 2001, the Tribe received federal recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior, only to have it revoked by the incoming Bush administration. I ask you to schedule a date over the next month to visit the Duwamish Longhouse for a conversation with tribal leaders and their allies. I look forward to your response and thank you for your commitment to public service.

Sincerely,

Name & Address

Contact information:

• Senator Patty Murray:

  • shawn_bills@murray.senate.gov (State Director)

  • ben_merkel@murray.senate.gov (Legislative Director)

• Senator Maria Cantwell

  • megan_thompson@cantwell.senate.gov (Native American Policy Lead)

  • tommy_bauer@cantwell.senate.gov (State Director)

Targets: Local elected officials who currently serve as the presidents of their councils and board:

• Seattle City Council President Deboah Juarez

• MLK County Council Chair Claudia Balducci

• Seattle Public Schools Board President Brandon Hersey

Ask: Introduce and support a resolution to endorse federal recognition of the Duwamish Tribe

Sample message:

Dear Council/Board President,

I am a voter, taxpayer, and strong supporter of the Duwamish Tribe and their long overdue efforts to restore federal recognition. 167 yrs ago the Duwamish Tribe, via their chief Si'ahl, was signatory to the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855. In January of 2001, the Tribe received federal recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior, only to have it revoked by the incoming Bush administration. I ask you to introduce to the [city council/county council/seattle school board] a resolution stating the [council's/board’s] support for federal recognition for the Duwamish Tribe. I look forward to your response and for you to come to the Longhouse for conversation with tribal leaders and their allies. Thank you for your commitment to public service.

Sincerely,

Name & Address

Contact information:

• Seattle City Council President Deboah Juarez

  • debora.juarez@seattle.gov

  • sarah.mayes@seattle.gov (Chief of Staff)

• King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci

  • claudia.balducci@kingcounty.gov

  • krista.camenzind@kingcounty.org (Lead staffer)

• Seattle Public Schools Board President Brandon Hersey

  • brandon.hersey@seattleschools.org

• Seattle Schools Superintendent Brent Jones

  • bjones@seattleschools.org