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.

Due to a prolonged drought in Zambia, maize production could fall from the current 3.6 million tonnes to 2 million tonnes this crop season if the current dry spell continues.
Zambia’s maize production may drop around 50 per cent in the current 2017-2018 crop season if a dry spell that the nation is experiencing continues, an industry body has warned.
Drought in Zambia and dependence on rain-fed maize The crop production season runs from October-November when the land is prepared and planting is carried out, to March-April when the crops are ready to be harvested in almost all regions.
Small-scale farmers contribute more than half of the consumed calories in the country.
Two years ago, maize production rose to 3.6 million tonnes in the 2016-2017 season, from 2.9 million tonnes the previous season.
We may be lucky to hit 1.8-2 million tonnes of maize,” he continued.
How the conditions for vegetation have deteriorated Experts at the SADC secretariat have expressed fears that low rainfall in the region has led to delays in planting as well as crop moisture stress in some areas.
“The vegetation conditions have deteriorated in the southern and eastern part of the region,” experts warn in the Food Security Early Warning System Agromet Update.
Small-Scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) director Boyd Moobwe said the persistence of dry weather across the country, coupled with the high prices of farming inputs, were taking a huge blow on subsistence farmers and creating some concern for the sustainability of the sector.
Read more: How agricultural chemicals are poisoning our world.

White Center resident Sophorn Sim, a sustainability superhero.
Sophorn Sim believes in the power of learning by example – so much so that she’s willing to bring people into her home — if that helps them better understand sustainability.
In fact, she was awarded the 2017 Sustainability Hero Award by Sustainable Seattle.
“It was very nice to see the work I do get recognized.” Sim has served as an environmental educator with the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle for seven years now.
She explained that her career has always focused on assisting refugees and immigrants – but in the past, she worked to connect them with medical assistance and job skills.
It’s really important to work with them and educate them.” Sim said that by eliminating chemicals from their homes and gardens, residents not only protect the water but also create healthier environments in their homes.
Everyone has to take responsibility.” As part of her work with the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle, Sim provides free spill kits to businesses and brings new immigrants on tours of the area’s watershed.
Ruben Chi Bertoni, community outreach associate, said Sim plays a vital role in the company’s mission of educating businesses and individuals in diverse communities about environmentally sustainable practices.
“We want people to take action,” he said.
We go to their house and tailor actions they can take to prevent water pollution on their property.” Environmental Coalition of South Seattle staff will start conducting home visits in June.