Duwamish mull next move

The Duwamish, who say they were in Seattle before there was a Seattle, are considering their next move in a drawn-out battle to be recognized as a tribe by the federal government.

Giving up is not an option. But initiating what could be a lengthy federal court case may be.

"We strongly feel that eventually the truth will prevail," said Cecile Hansen, tribal chairwoman. "The truth is that we are the indigenous people of this area. There were thousands of us here and still are."

The dreams of the Duwamish need reviving after Interior Secretary Gale Norton last week denied the group's appeal for reconsideration of tribal status. During the final days of the Clinton administration, the Duwamish had been left with the impression that the Interior Department had granted the recognition they have sought for a quarter-century.

But Bush administration officials voided that ruling, citing procedural errors. Norton's decision was the final jolt in what has been nearly 2-1/2 years of emotional peaks and valleys for Duwamish members.

Dennis Whittlesey, the Duwamish's attorney, said members can either sue for tribal recognition in federal court or pursue it through Congress. Both will take time, and neither has a guarantee.

Although the Duwamish tribal council has not made a decision on its next move, Whittlesey said he is leaning toward recommending a lawsuit. "I would think the (state's) congressional delegation would want us to exhaust all other avenues before we consider a legislative option," he said.

Tribal recognition carries clout and the federal money for education, health care, housing and other social services.

Stuart Eskenazi can be reached at 206-464-2293 or seskenazi@seattletimes.com.