But 12 years after signing on to the agreement — seen at the time as historic in its focus and scope — the city and the tribe have still never fully defined the rights of entry for the Muckleshoot tribe.
The issue was tabled until 2014 when the tribe made what seemed like a simple request to the city: to camp.
If it is not, officials fear, the result could be an end to the city’s right to provide unfiltered water and a subsequent $500 million piece of capital infrastructure.
At issue for the tribe is a list of specific requests issued to the city years ago, requesting camping access and use by family members.
The tribe would like family members who are not tribal members — which can include husbands, wives, children — to join enrolled members when entering the watershed.
“They cemented into federal law the preexisting right of tribes to hunt, fish and gather in the same manner as before the treaties were signed.” The treaty guaranteed continued access to the Cedar River Watershed for tribes.
At the same time, Seattle began siphoning off water from the area in 1901.
“Having the ability to camp in the Watershed is a culturally important activity for the Tribe, a way to bring together Tribal members to harvest in the traditional way.” Also at issue is whether non-enrolled tribal members should be allowed in the watershed.
In that context, non-tribal family members are guaranteed the same fishing rights as enrolled members.
In a statement, a representative of Seattle Public Utilities said, “While Seattle protects this pristine source of drinking water and the habitat of the Watershed, the city also recognizes the strong cultural and historical connection the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has to this same watershed.” But more than a decade after the celebrated agreement was signed, a cooperative plan remains elusive.