Tribal Historic Preservation

Welcome to the Duwamish tribal historic and cultural preservation web page!

Cultural preservation is responsible for preserving precontact archaeological resources. We provide guidance and comments on SEPA/NEPA notifications and EIS statements within and around traditional Duwamish lands. Along with archaeologists we have been present when excavation or soil disturbance occurs in and around our sacred sites.

We work closely with our Tribal elders, consult with local museums, community partners, environmental justice groups, and local governmental entities to preserve our ancestors’ knowledge and cultural resources.

To contact the cultural preservation department for SEPA, DAHP consultation and EIS statements, please email preservationdept@duwamishtribe.org. Our THPO - tribal historic preservation officer - is Council Member John Boddy.

Please note this is a small department. We do our best to respond as quickly as we can. If you need information about the Duwamish Tribe or to schedule a visit, please email info@duwamishtribe.org or call 206-431-1582.

In Summer 2026, the Duwamish Tribe in collaboration with Edmonds College, will be spearheading an archaeological field school centered on traditional knowledge and cultural resource management. In a three-week, hands-on course, students will be taught about respectful land stewardship, archaeological surveying and excavation methods, and laboratory techniques by Tribal representatives and industry professionals. We’ve scheduled the program to occur after the 2026 Tribal Canoe Journey so that Coast Salish students can attend the x̌alšəd field school.

We will also be offering a financial scholarship to any native student or tribal employee that would like to participate this season. As part of the program, the data collected from our excavations will inform the Tribe on how best to rehabilitate the forest and improve wildlife and flora habitats. For any questions, please feel free to contact our department at PreservationDept@duwamishtribe.org. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Link to Edmonds College Webpage

Check out KIYA’S NATIVE PLANT NURSERY next time you visit the Duwamish Longhouse!