UPDATE: Duwamish Tribe announces land purchase in Renton

8:01 PM: Announced today by the Duwamish Tribe, whose previous land holdings have been at and adjacent to their Longhouse in West Seattle:

The Duwamish Tribe has completed the purchase of 33 acres of land in the Fairwood District of Renton, Washington. This land features a thriving wetland ecosystem and an extensive evergreen forest, making it ideal for conservation, environmental stewardship, and passive recreational use. The wooded property is largely unsuitable for development, allowing the Duwamish Tribe to preserve its natural state while providing privacy and a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.

“Land ownership strengthens our cultural and spiritual connection, supports our tribal sovereignty, and our self-determination, while offering economic opportunities through conservation projects,” said Duwamish Honorable Chairwoman Cecile Hansen. “Bold steps like this also offer reminders to the broader community that we are still here and will continue being caretakers and stewards for this land.”

This acquisition aligns with the tribe’s commitment to sustainability, land preservation, and efforts to achieve long overdue federal acknowledgment. Land is deeply tied to the cultural identity, traditions, and spiritual practices of tribes, can help safeguard historical sites and cultural landmarks, and could reinforce the Tribe’s case for federal recognition.

The news release did not give a precise location for the purchased land, so we have that and other followup questions out.

2:29 AM: Commenter Alex identified the location – 13302 Petrovitsky Road, which King County Parcel Viewer confirms is owned by the Duwamish as of April, purchase price $1.2 million

15 Replies to "UPDATE: Duwamish Tribe announces land purchase in Renton"

  • Lauren May 19, 2025 (9:59 pm)

    Fantastic news! 

    • WSB May 20, 2025 (2:28 am)

      Thanks!
      While KC Parcel Viewer doesn’t recognize the address, the parcel number is on that page too and using that on the county site, the owner is Duwamish Tribal Services, for $1.2 million in April. – TR

  • AJ May 20, 2025 (6:58 am)

    So they basically bought back their original property?

    • Jake May 20, 2025 (10:24 am)

      Such an insane concept isn’t it? Property ownership is fake in many ways. This is why I am Marxist.

      • Jethro Marx May 20, 2025 (5:18 pm)

        I cannot quite believe you’re real but if so what’s your favorite example of a society that has enacted it? Side question: what were their secret police called?

  • Jen May 20, 2025 (7:52 am)

    That’s wonderful news!!

  • MarkD May 20, 2025 (8:35 am)

    I am pleased that the Duwamish tribe has been able to acquire this property, and I’m certain will be great stewards for its preservation. I’m also ashamed that the legacy of our country’s history is such that the very people whose ancestors’ land this was before colonization had it stolen from them via lies, deceit, and force and now their descendants must pay to have it returned. 

    • Latchkey May 20, 2025 (10:20 am)

      Spoils go to the victor, why is America held to a different standard than every other conquerer in the world? Should we give back the land stolen by the Roman’s? I understand there were some treaties which were broken by the American government, those should promises be rectified, but we can’t continue to accept claims from every person who has native ancestry.

      • MarkD May 20, 2025 (4:19 pm)

        It was so much more than “some treaties which were broken”. It was, by definition, genocide. Look it up. Try reading some factual historical literature, such as “Black Hills, White Justice” by Edward Lazarus to start. Then maybe open up your mind a bit more with “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. The American government-backed atrocities against these people is real whether you choose to believe it or not. You ask “why is America held to a different standard than every other conqueror in the world?” I guess because we were always taught and led to believe that America is different, and better, than every other country in the world, The least we could do as a country, and as citizens of this country,  is to acknowledge past wrongs and do what we can to ensure those wrongs are not committed again.

        • Latchkey May 20, 2025 (5:16 pm)

          Ok, let us assume all that information, what should be done? What are the concrete actions? How do we identify the people to receive reparation? What is the price of paying back genocide? Genuinely curious

          • Lauren May 20, 2025 (10:03 pm)

            Read books, Latchkey. You’ll find your answers.

    • Lauren May 20, 2025 (11:39 am)

      Well said, MarkD. Latchkey, your comment is embarrassing. The Roman Empire is long dead and gone. If the same could be said about the US, sure, that’d be an apt comparison. As it is, check yourself. 

  • Grateful May 20, 2025 (10:04 am)

    Very happy to see this news!  

  • WS worker May 20, 2025 (10:21 am)

    Imagine someone stealing your property and then having to buy it back from them. Insanity!  

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