The Washington State Parks Commission is set to decide next week whether to return a state park to its original owner, the Suquamish Tribe.

Old Man House State Park is located on land the federal government took from the tribe for a military reservation that was never built. It was the site of the tribe's mother village and Chief Sealth once had a longhouse there.

The state has been studying whether to turn over the 1-acre park to the tribe. Although the tribe will continue to manage it for the state and has agreed to waive its sovereignty, some non-Indians oppose the transfer.

"Return of Old Man House to its native roots can be done so that it enriches the region's cultural heritage and protects those nearby," The Seattle Times says in an editorial. "It's time to quit talking and proceed."

The commission meeting is scheduled for August 12 in Port Angeles.

Get the Story:
Neighbors await decision on park (The Bremerton Sun 7/31)
Editorial: Return Old Man House to its tribal roots (The Seattle Times 8/1)

Relevant Links:
Suquamish Tribe - http://www.suquamish.nsn.us
Suquamish Olalla Neighbors - http://www.soneighbors.org

Related Stories:
Decision near on returning park to Suquamish Tribe (06/14)
Opinion: Support return of land to Suquamish Tribe (01/08)
Suquamish Tribe wants to manage state park (11/17)
Non-Indians oppose tribal control of Wash. park (07/16)