The Duwamish Tribe has been granted a new opportunity to seek federal recognition, following a recent court ruling that ordered the Department of the Interior to reevaluate the tribe’s petition. This decision comes after over fifty years of persistent efforts by the Duwamish to prove their legitimacy to the U.S. government.

The Duwamish Tribe, descendants of Chief Seattle, have long fought for acknowledgment from the federal government. Their ancestral lands cover much of present-day King County. Despite signing a treaty in the 1800s ceding thousands of acres to the United States, the tribe's claims have been repeatedly denied over the past century, with federal officials arguing that the Duwamish had effectively ceased to exist, being absorbed into other Native American groups.

For decades, the Duwamish have pursued legal action and public advocacy efforts to achieve recognition. Cecile Hansen, chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribal Council, has been leading this fight since the 1970s.

The recent U.S. District Court ruling directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to reconsider the tribe’s status under updated rules adopted in 2015. These new guidelines allow the tribe to submit additional evidence, including proof of self-identification as a Native American tribe. Notably, the revised rules now account for the contributions of Duwamish women who married outside the tribe, a factor previously disregarded.

The decision marks a significant step forward for the Duwamish, who state that the lack of recognition has deeply impacted their identity and well-being.

Federal recognition would grant the Duwamish access to crucial resources, including funding for housing, healthcare, and education. Tribes can achieve recognition through congressional action, executive order, or a determination by the BIA.

The court-mandated reconsideration of status is not only a victory for the Duwamish but also underscores the broader struggles of unrecognized tribes in Washington state.

The Duwamish Tribe was initially granted federal recognition during the Clinton administration in 2001. However, this decision was overturned by the George W. Bush administration shortly after taking office, as it was deemed not properly processed, resulting in the tribe being ultimately denied federal recognition. They were turned down again in 2015.