September 18, 2003

Dear Mr. Wolslegel:

As the director of Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State I represent the 275 congregations of our state on public policy matters/social justice issues of concern to our denomination. One of those issues of concern is the return of sacred lands to Native American tribes. I am writing to you about the Old Man House State Park. I understand that the state no longer desires to keep this park and is considering returning it to the “original owners” - the Suquamish tribe. I urge you to return this small one acre parcel of land back to the Suquamish to whom it has historical significance and spiritual meaning. We in our denomination believe this would be a huge statement of reconciliation and restoration with the descendants of those who were living on this land long before any white settlers came this way in the 19th century for our state to return this land which in 1904 was taken over by the federal War Department for military purposes, but never used in that way, and then acquired by the State Parks Commission in 1950. 

I have spoken with both the directors of the Washington Association of Churches and the Church Council of Greater Seattle and they are in agreement as well on this matter of returning this land back to the Suquamish. Indeed, you should know that religious leaders of this state issued an Apology to Native American tribes of this state in 1987 pledging to stand with indigenous communities as they struggled to reclaim what has been lost. In 1997 this apology was re-affirmed. 

This office will continue to be involved as an ally with the Suquamish on this issue and will encourage the members of our churches to write you and be involved as well. I thank you for your work on this matter and do look forward to your response. I will also be passing this letter on to the Governor and the state legislators that represent this area. 

Sincerely, 

Rev. Paul B. Benz