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1. munchkin22
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   For you long time residents as well as those new to West Seattle, we encourage you to stop by and go into the Duwamish Longhouse on West Marginal Way. http://www.duwamishtribe.org/index.html
   If you're fortunate enough to meet Cecile Hansen, the tribal chair you're in for a treat. She's perhaps the sweetest woman we've met and has real heart. Not just for the First Nation people but everyone. They hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at the longhouse for the residents of Nickelsville who signed up.And tomorrow they will be feeding the homeless again for Christmas.
   The Duwamish have been seeking federal recognition for years and could use your support. If you show up to find out about Seattle's heritage you can toss in a buck or so at the desk to help them in their endeavour.We were not solicited to put this out there, we just felt it's the right thing to do. Politics have always gotten in the way of their success,so we can help get there the way the politicians do, with money.
   Please keep them in mind. We settled in their backyard after all, as well as their front yard.

   Posted 5 months ago #         

2. happywalker
   Member Profile

   

   I went to the Holiday Bazaar at the Longhouse. It's beautiful inside, such a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Duwamish are very much a part of West Seattle...much more than we are, no matter how long we have lived here. As I drive down West Marginal Way, I can almost see the Natives at park across from the Longhouse.

   My question is why have they not received federal recognition? What can we do to help??

   Posted 5 months ago #         

3. munchkin22
   Member Profile

   

   Politics is the reason. Clinton got it ok'd and I've been told Bush Jr stopped it. Don't really know why, but I think it's a shame. Money for the lawsuit is probably the only way we can help the tribe get it through the courts successfully. Any ideas on fundraising?

   Posted 5 months ago #         

4. Magpie
   Member Profile

   

   Yes, the tribe was ready to be recognized and when Bushy Jr came in to office, many of the things that were leftover from the end of the Clinton administration didn't get signed and from what I understand, by his inaction, the tribe did not get the recognition they deserve. I also heard (whether this is true or not, I don't know) is that the Muckleshoots have lobbied against the Duwamish getting recognized.

   I would think that you would be able to look in to what their effort was to be recognized last time and get it on the radar to be signed in to law before the end of a Democrat's term.

   Posted 5 months ago #         

5. kootchman
   Member Profile

   The tribes sue each other to prevent recognition to protect casino rights. Y'all remember Jack Abramoff? A paticularly unsavory sorta guy...made millions off the tribes pitting one against the other, selling access for tribal recognition... I believe he was also on the payroll of Seattles own, Preston Gates & Ellis.. ( that should sorta tell ya the sorta guy he was) ... very dirty dude..Kevin Spacey played him in a movie "Casino Jack"... I think the new center is wonderful.. and if I knew more about why they are stonewalled.. I would try to be proactive to get their tribal recognition established. What's the tribe say about the sticking point and what help do they want?

   Posted 5 months ago #         

6. miws
   Member Profile

   

   Thanks for posting this m22.

   I had wanted to meet Chairperson Hansen for years, as I have long admired her energy and devotion to her Tribe.

   Finally got to when I moved in here at Nickelsville. Cecile often brings us a big pot of soup or other food, and I know that I and all the other Nickelodeons that attend the Thanksgiving Dinner very much enjoyed and appreciated it.

   Mike

   Posted 5 months ago #         

7. herongrrrl
   Member Profile

   A good account of the Duwamish fight for recognition can be found here: http://www.seattlemet.com/q13-fox/articles/0309-fea-duwamish/?print=1 (don't be put off by the Fox News connection, it really is a good article.)

   If you're interested in this and haven't yet read "Native Seattle" by Coll Thrush, I can't recommend it enough.

   And yes, the Longhouse is a wonderful place, and everyone I've met there has been very warm and welcoming. As munchkin said, if you haven't visited yet, you should! I was talking with someone recently who said she didn't know it was open to the public, so thank you, munchkin, for reminding us that it is.

   Posted 5 months ago #         

8. JoB
   Member Profile

   kootch..

   i can't believe i am saying this
   but in this case
   donate first..
   question later

   Posted 5 months ago #         

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