During a recent Seattle City Council meeting, members of the Duwamish Tribe and other indigenous representatives voiced their concerns regarding the exclusion of the Duwamish from the Indigenous Advisory Committee. The Duwamish Tribe, represented by council member and president of Duwamish Tribal Services Organization, emphasized the historical significance of their presence in Seattle and the need for a seat at the table in discussions affecting their community.

The Duwamish representatives highlighted a long-standing pattern of systemic exclusion from public policies and projects, which they described as a form of discrimination and cultural erasure. They urged the council to create a position for a Duwamish member on the Indigenous Advisory Council and to ensure their participation in future events, such as the Bridal Nations Summit.

Support for the Duwamish perspective was echoed by other speakers, including Kate Clark, who acknowledged the progress made over the past 50 years in building relationships between sovereign nations and local governments. However, she pointed out that the Duwamish and other non-federally recognized tribes continue to be marginalized in these discussions. Clark called for the inclusion of the Duwamish Tribe in ongoing planning efforts, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and goodwill in government-to-government relations.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the City of Seattle's Tribal Nations Summit, marking a year since its inception. Tribal leaders, including Chairman Leonard Forsman of the Squamish Tribe and Donnie Stevenson of the Muckleshoot Tribe, discussed the significance of this summit as a formal platform for dialogue between the city and tribal nations. They highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, education, and resource management as shared priorities.

The discussions underscored a collective desire for greater inclusion and recognition of indigenous voices in Seattle's governance, reflecting a broader commitment to healing historical wounds and fostering collaborative relationships moving forward.