A Primer for the Confused

In short the land Seattle sits upon, like much of the United States’ land, was unjustly stolen.

The Coast Salish peoples of the Seattle area, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and Snoqualmie, have faced significant injustices due to the colonization of their lands. These injustices began in the mid-19th century, when white settlers, including those led by figures like Arthur Denny, arrived in the Puget Sound region, displacing (often violently such as in the Puget Sound War of 1855-1856) the native inhabitants from their ancestral territories.

The Treaty of Point Elliott, signed in 1855, was intended to secure land rights for the Coast Salish people in exchange for ceding vast amounts of land to the U.S. government. Unsurprisingly in retrospect, the promises made in this treaty were often disregarded or inadequately fulfilled, leading to the forced relocation of many nations to reservations and the seizure of their prime lands without meaningful compensation or consent. The Duwamish, for instance, were never given a reservation, despite being signatories to the treaty, and they continue to lack federal recognition today, which significantly affects their access to both their due resources and legal rights.

The Coast Salish peoples’ fishing rights, vital to their culture and survival, were also restricted until the Boldt Decision in 1974, which reaffirmed their rights to fish in traditional areas. However, the fight for these rights came after decades of marginalization and conflicts with local and state authorities who restricted access to vital natural resources. Some of that conflict persists even beyond the Boldt Decision. Many non-Native fishers harbor resentment, especially during years of low salmon runs. Tensions continue in co-management with state agencies, particularly over conservation measures, while declining salmon populations further complicate these relationships. Habitat restoration efforts, such as the culverts case requiring the state to remove barriers to fish migration, have also been a sticking point due to the associated financial and logistical challenges.

This systematic dispossession not only stripped the Coast Salish of their homelands but additionally attempted to sever cultural connections to those lands, forcing them into poverty and preventing full participation in decisions impacting their own territories. Despite these challenges, Coast Salish communities today work tirelessly to maintain and revive their culture, language, and traditions while advocating for recognition and justice.

What do we do about it?

  • Support Tribal Businesses and Artists: Buy from local Native-owned businesses, artists, and artisans.

  • Advocate for Federal Recognition: Support the Duwamish Nation's effort for federal recognition, which would help restore some of their rights and access to resources. You can contact lawmakers, sign the petition, or join advocacy campaigns.

  • Attend and Promote Tribal Events: Participate in tribal cultural events and educational workshops.

  • Learn and Share the History: Educate yourself about the history of local nations and share this knowledge with others. Acknowledging and spreading awareness about the historical injustices and the resilience of the native nations can help amplify their voices. Each nation’s website hosts and abundance of informative resources.

  • Support Habitat Restoration: Advocate for salmon habitat restoration projects and environmental measures that benefit tribes' natural resources, such as removing harmful culverts. You can volunteer or donate to groups such as Forterra that focus on habitat preservation in the region.

  • Engage Politically: Vote for policies and representatives that prioritize Native rights and environmental protections, and speak out in support of tribal sovereignty issues, especially those involving land, fishing rights, and cultural heritage.

 

For more information about the history and struggles of the Coast Salish people, including the impacts of colonization, you can refer to: