Christal Wood for Seattle Mayor

We are sitting on Duwamish land. While tribes such as the Muckleshoot, have been luckier, among others, the Duwamish have been waging a long-time battle for recognition as tribes in their own right by the Federal Government. Not surprisingly, what looked to be a promising end to that battle during the Clinton administration, ended with a bait-and-switch by the Bush Administration. The paperwork determining recognition was all marked “draft,” and was ultimately denied.

The time is now to make this right. As Mayor I will formally recognize the Duwamish, Chief Sealth’s people and descendants as the City of Seattle’s tribe, and return sovereignty over an apportionment of public Seattle land and services as a gesture of justice and healing.