The city of Seattle signed a formal agreement with four area tribes on Wednesday, renewing a tradition that began with Chief Sealth 150 years ago.

Leaders of the Suquamish, Tulalip, Snoqualmie and Swinomish tribes met with Mayor Greg Nickels to sign the agreement. It recognizes the sovereignty, rights and responsibilities of the tribes and the city.

Seattle signed the first agreements with tribes in 1854. The city takes its name from Chief Sealth, a Suquamish and Duwamish leader who signed the first agreement.

The Duwamish Tribe, which is not federally recognized, was not part of the agreement.

Get the Story:
Seattle, tribes sign accord (The Seattle Post-Inteligencer 7/21)
Nickels signs historic agreements with area tribes (City of Seattle 7/20)