Resolution Calling for Federal Recognition of the Duwamish Tribe

WHEREAS the ancestral lands of the Duwamish Tribe include the current boundaries of the City of Seattle, and members of the Duwamish Tribe continue to reside on those lands; and

WHEREAS the Duwamish Tribe, represented by Chief Si’ahl (Seattle), was the first signatory of the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855, guaranteeing the Tribe rights and federal recognition, but the government of the United States of America has not honored the provisions of that treaty with respect to the Duwamish Tribe; and

WHEREAS the Duwamish Tribe received federal recognition by Executive Order of President Bill Clinton on January 19, 2001; and

WHEREAS that Executive Order was rescinded by the Bush Administration on January 21, 2001; and

WHEREAS four bills to extend federal recognition to the Duwamish Tribe have been submitted by Representative Jim McDermott (HR 477 – Jan. 29, 2003; HR 852 – Feb. 16, 2005; HR 949 – Feb. 8, 2007; HR 2678 - June 3, 2009), which Congress has failed to act upon; and

WHEREAS the State Democratic platform calls for “[r]estoration of federal recognition for formerly recognized Tribes”; the King County Democratic Platform states specifically that “[f]ederal recognition of the Duwamish tribe must be restored”; and the 46th District platform declares support for “[r]einstating federal recognition of the Duwamish tribe”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we affirm our support for federal recognition of the Duwamish Tribe as provided by President Clinton’s Executive Order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge all members of Washington State’s Congressional delegation to sponsor and support legislation to accomplish such recognition, and to notify us of their actions toward rectification of this unfortunate miscarriage of justice.


Adopted January 20, 2011, by 46th District Democrats