The Duwamish are a Native American tribe indigenous to the Seattle, Washington area. They historically lived along the Duwamish River and Puget Sound, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. The tribe faced significant challenges due to European colonization, treaties, and loss of land, leading to their federal recognition challenges. Today, the Duwamish continue to advocate for their rights and cultural heritage, seeking to preserve their identity and community.
The Duwamish tribe, like many Pacific Northwest tribes, primarily used weapons such as bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. They also crafted spears and clubs, often made from local materials like wood and stone. Additionally, they utilized fishing tools like fish spears and nets in their subsistence activities. Their weaponry was closely tied to their environment and lifestyle, reflecting their reliance on natural resources.
The Muckleshoot are really the remnants of many different Coast Salish tribes, including the Snoqualmie and Duwamish. They relied very heavily on salmon fishing; the catch was cured to preserve it and it was available in such large quantities that much of it was traded to other tribes. A traditional "First Salmon Ceremony" is still observed today, together with a deep respect for the salmon as a primary source of sustenance.
Seattle has been shaped by several notable historical figures, including William Boeing, who founded the Boeing Company and played a pivotal role in the aviation industry. Another significant figure is Jim Ellis, known for his work in the establishment of the Seattle metropolitan area's parks and the creation of the city's iconic "Clean, Safe, and Green" initiatives. Additionally, Chief Seattle, a leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes, is a key historical figure known for his eloquent speeches advocating for the rights of Native Americans and the environment.
The chief's name was definitely not Seattle - his name was really more like Si'alh, Seallh or Sealth (with a complex sound at the end not found in English) but white Americans could not be bothered to say it properly and settled for an approximation.He was (unusually) a chief of two different tribes: Duwamish and Suquamish. He is credited with making a speech about ecological matters and native American land rights, but this claim may be pure fantasy. The speech he gave in 1854 was entirely in the Lushootseed dialect, translated into Chinook jargon (a mixed dialect used in trade on the west coast). It may then have been translated into English but it was not properly published until 1891, then added to and altered in another version of 1929, then another version in 1931.The original speech is likely to have been misunderstood, mistranslated and embellished or fabricated over time, so what the chief actually said is definitely not known for certain.Despite all this, chief Si'alh was given the twisted compliment of having a city named after him (almost...) in Washington State.
Seattle
It is named after Sealth, a Chief of the Duwamish and Suquamish Indians.
The Duwamish tribe, like many Pacific Northwest tribes, primarily used weapons such as bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. They also crafted spears and clubs, often made from local materials like wood and stone. Additionally, they utilized fishing tools like fish spears and nets in their subsistence activities. Their weaponry was closely tied to their environment and lifestyle, reflecting their reliance on natural resources.
The Duwamish people traditionally ate in various locations that included riversides, along the shores of Puget Sound, and near their seasonal fishing and gathering sites. They often set up temporary camps or villages close to abundant food sources such as salmon runs, shellfish beds, and berry patches. Their diet was heavily influenced by the natural resources available in the region, which shaped their nomadic lifestyle and seasonal movements.
Native American Indians occupied the area for some 4000 years The first European to visit the area was George Vancouver in May 1792. Named after the Chief of the Duwamish Tribe who lived in the area
Seattle was named for Chief Sealth (Seattle) He was the chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes and lived form 1786-1866. He signed the Treaty of Port Elliott in 1855, guaranteeing a reservation for his people in what became the state of Washington.
Chief Seattle's daughter was named Angeline. She played a significant role in preserving her father's legacy and the history of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. Angeline's life and experiences provide insight into the impact of colonization on Native American families.
Seattle was the name of a native American leader of the Dumwanish who welcomed white settlers to the Pacific Northwest
Chief Seattle, the leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes, said this in response to the U.S. government's offer to buy Native American lands in the 19th century. His speech reflects the idea that nature is a gift to be shared and respected, rather than bought and sold.
The Muckleshoot are really the remnants of many different Coast Salish tribes, including the Snoqualmie and Duwamish. They relied very heavily on salmon fishing; the catch was cured to preserve it and it was available in such large quantities that much of it was traded to other tribes. A traditional "First Salmon Ceremony" is still observed today, together with a deep respect for the salmon as a primary source of sustenance.
The Muckleshoot are really the remnants of many different Coast Salish tribes, including the Snoqualmie and Duwamish. They relied very heavily on salmon fishing; the catch was cured to preserve it and it was available in such large quantities that much of it was traded to other tribes. A traditional "First Salmon Ceremony" is still observed today, together with a deep respect for the salmon as a primary source of sustenance.
Henry Yesler became the very first millionaire of Washington State and founded the first water system. He is considered one of the "ten-men" who shaped Seattle. After living a life as a carpenter in Ohio, Yesler decided to go look for gold in California. Yesler heard about the Puget Sound and decided to create the very first steam-powered sawmill. He provided many jobs for the Native Americans which were mostly helping with the sawmill and were very good friends with them, especially the Duwamish tribe.