If Hansen's made no headway in getting meetings, let alone support, from our federal delegation in 40 years of leadership (that's 1975!), she might want to hire a lobbyist.

Yeah I haven't heard any press about it at all, this is the first I was aware that it was even being decided Federally. A lobbyist certainly could have garnered more media attention and been more persistent in making a ruckus with local politicians. Very disappointed with the decision but there really could have been more support with more awareness effort.

I think 600 descendents of the original people of this land deserve recognition. I don't think its in anyone's best interest for the federal government to deny status to the people who's ancestor or entire city (and more) is named in honor of. Moving west, I have come to realise there is still so much we can learn from native peoples and about our past; maybe we can't solve our current problems if we don't.

Barb Flatt
This is the government's failing, yes, but it is also due, in large
part, to the Muckleshoot tribe's active opposition to Duwamish recognition. They have a lot of influence, and continue to use it to say the Duwamish are part of the Muckleshoot, so need no separate recognition. Why would they do this? Gee, who currently benefits from the lands and rights the Duwamish would gain through federal recognition???

Under the Treaty of Pt. Elliott the Duwamish were "absorbed" into the Suquamish Tribe and are eligible for membership there. This woman is enrolled Suquamish and has all of the rights of being an enrolled member of the Tribe. But she wants to be the self-appointed leader of the Duwamish Tribe, why? There would be huge financial benefits to opening a casino in downtown Seattle. Chief Seattle lived and passed away in the longhouse of Suquamish. He was a leader and representative for the Suquamish people. The Suquamish are recognized by the City, State and Federal governments as being the first people of Seattle and Kitsap County.

From Article #9, it sounds like once they've left the land. They can't go back to make claim on previously ceded lands.

"...and they pledge themselves to commit no depredations on the property of such citizens. Should any one or more of them violate this pledge, and the fact be satisfactorily proven before the agent, the property taken shall be returned, or in default thereof, of if injured or destroyed, compensation may be made by the Government out of their annuities."

Also, it looks like they were Slave Owners too.

ARTICLE 11.
The said tribes and bands agree to free all slaves now held by them and not to purchase or acquire others hereafter.

http://www.goia.wa.gov/treaties/treaties…