The Associated Press has reported that the federal government has again rejected the Duwamish Tribe's petition for federal recognition as an Indian tribe.

The decision came late last week from the U.S. Department of Interior that denied the tribe official recognition, which would have entitled them to federal benefits such as housing, fishing rights and the possibility of operating a casino. The tribe of roughly 600 members has sought the recognition since 1977 and built a tribal longhouse and cultural center on West Marginal Way SW to house some of their artifacts though many, according to the tribe have been appropriated by other area tribes.

The tribe was recognized at the end of the Clinton administration—only to have that positive determination overturned by the incoming Bush administration. The tribe was granted a 6 month extension, to raise $100,000 to hire an expert witness to review 31,000 pages provided by the BIA.

The Dept. of Interior said evidence was lacking to show current tribal members continued from the previously existing community or that it evolved as a group from the historical Duwamish tribe.

Chief Sealth, whose name was the basis for the name Seattle, was a member of the Duwamish Tribe.

Tribal chairwoman Cecile Hansen told KUOW Radio it's devastating. She says her tribe was the one that welcomed everyone.