Mukilteo Musings

Native Americans--what a deep and complicated issue!

I grew up in Lewis & Clark County (Helena) Montana. We heard stories everyday it seems during my childhood about what incredible heroes they were. In the second grade I became Sacajawea for our Native American unit. (We called them Indians in those days) I like to read about Seadog--the black "Newfie" who was their Canine companion. My family has visited many parts of their trail in Montana, Idaho, and Washington. The other day I read an editorial about how Lewis and Clark were responsible for the beginning of the destruction of Native Americans out west. Whoa, but OK probably. At my age I am learning that many things I have learned are not quite right and many things our government tells us are not quite right.

I have lived my entire life in the Northwest and I know one--only one--Native American and he still doesn't admit to people that he is. We are completely isolated from Native Americans--their reservations, their culture, and their problems. (Completely isolated even though Seattle was named after a remarkable Chief and Mukilteo is Native American for good camping) Sometimes, we hear a little like when the Makahs decided to hunt gray whales again or when a new casino is opening on tribal lands but we basically pay no attention.

I was listening to NPR I think the same day I read about Lewis and Clark, and members of the Duwamish Tribe were explaining their plight. They are a small group but nevertheless an ancient community still in existence and trying to preserve their individuality. For decades they have been trying to be recognized by the federal government as an official tribe. Finally, finally, during the Clinton administration somebody listened and they received the news that indeed they would be official--guaranteeing to them tribal rights such as fishing and probably access to federal funds. There was tremendous celebration after all of the years of effort!

BUT, the minute the Bushies took over, the Duwamish Tribal status was revoked. I'm sorry but that is just downright mean--there is no other explanation but pure meanness. The whole situation could hardly be even a barely visible pinpoint in our gigantic and outrageous national deficit. And there was no other explanation--just one brutal little e-mail. So, I guess in 2004 the destruction continues.