Subscribe via RSSHonoring Histories: Native American Heritage Month - By Kimberly Allen
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Each November, Native American Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of Indigenous Americans. As part of our efforts to deepen our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, SMPS Seattle is taking time each month to focus on the cultures and heritages that make up our vibrant community. We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the First People of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe1. Alongside this acknowledgement, we’d like to share with you a list of ways to celebrate our host tribe this and every month. Read Up - Whether you’re looking for a deep-dive into our city’s namesake Chief, to learn about traditional uses for local plants, or help for a child learning their ABCs, there’s a variety of options to choose from. Selections from the Duwamish Longhouse Store include:
Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His Name, by David M. Buerge Learn the Alphabet with Northwest Coastal Native Art Haboo: Native American Stories from Puget Sound, translated by Vi Hilbert Ethnobotany: The Knowledge and Use of Indigenous Plants by Native Americans, by Erna Gunther Show Up - The Duwamish Tribe is not relegated to history books and lectures, it’s an active, vibrant nation. Visitors are welcome at Duwamish Longhouse, the Tribe’s cultural center, Tuesdays through Saturdays between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm for the exhibit Spirit Returns 2.0: A Duwamish and Settler Story. Additional programming can be found on the Tribe’s website or Facebook page. Sign Up - One meaningful way to support the Duwamish is to add your voice in support of Tribal Recognition. In 1855, Chief Seattle and representatives from other Tribes around the region signed the Point Elliott Treaty with the United States Government. This treaty established hunting, fishing, and reservation rights for the Duwamish, in exchange for over 54,000 acres of their land. While the Duwamish upheld their side of the treaty and ceded the land that would become most of King County (including the City of Seattle), the US Government has failed to act on their obligations. At present, the Federal government does not recognize the sovereignty of the Duwamish Nation. The Duwamish Tribe has created a form letter, requiring only the information of the sender and receiver, that can be used to offer support, as well as a list of names and contact information for relevant representatives. That information, as well as additional background information, can be found here. https://www.duwamishtribe.org/stand-with-the-duwamish Pay Up - Due to this lack of Federal recognition, the Duwamish Tribe does not receive financial benefit from the US Government, to which they are entitled under the Treaty of Point Elliott. They also do not receive financial gain from the City of Seattle and other municipalities founded on their land. This means one of the most tangible ways to support the Tribe is to PAY RENT. As the website explains: “Paying monthly rent represents a continuing effort and desire to acknowledge the Duwamish while recognizing that we are visitors on their land who are profiting from being here. Monthly giving keeps the land's original inhabitants on the forefront of our thoughts. Through our monthly contribution and acknowledgement, we can be more deeply connected to this wonderful place.” We hope that this inspires you to learn more about the Duwamish Tribe, their legacy, and the history of Seattle. We hope you also consider how our region has benefited from their contributions without fair acknowledgement and compensation, and take steps toward a more equitable future for the Duwamish People. Additional Resources https://www.duwamishtribe.org/
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Kimberly Allen is the Proposal Manager at KPFF in Seattle. She is a relationship-driven marketer with a drive to create more equitable and sustainable built environments and inter-office culture. Kimberly is a founding member of the SMPS Seattle DEI Committee. |
