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Rex Derr, Director
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Please support the Suquamish Tribe's request that the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission transfer Old Man House State Park to the Suquamish Tribe. The park, which is the historic home to the Suquamish people, has deep historic and cultural significance to the Tribe and to all residents of Washington State no matter where their genetic ancestors came from.
I am the genetic descendent of Europeans who came to North America in the 1700's. My pioneer ancestors took land from the first Americans in Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma. I am the cultural descendent of all Americans who built the society I enjoy today as a resident of Washington State. Our Northwest culture and values are shaped by our Native American heritage.
We here in Washington State have the opportunity to return land taken from our Native American Washington State cultural ancestors. I believe that today's Americans benefit from a shared cultural heritage from our many countries of origin and especially our national culture benefits from preserving our Native American culture. Chief Sealth was my American cultural ancestor as much as my long ago Scotch Irish ancestors.
Please help the Suquamish Tribe preserve your and my cultural heritage at the Old Man House State Park by restoring the Suquamish Tribe as the rightful owners and stewards of the park property. The Park and Recreation Commission meets to decide this on January 22 and your support of the Tribe's request will help to honor our American heritage.
Orville Cooper |
