The Duwamish people who have lived and cared for the land of modern-day Seattle have yet to receive the rights and recognition promised to them in the Treaty of Point Elliott of 1855. In addition to this, the government reversed the Duwamish Tribe’s federal recognition in 2002, meaning that they no longer receive federal benefits such as healthcare and tax breaks. As high school students occupying unceded Duwamish land, we have a responsibility to pay reparations and compensate the Duwamish people for their sacrifice and resources. 

One way to support the Duwamish land and people is through Real Rent. This is a grassroots movement to encourage citizens of Seattle to pay monthly “rent” to the Duwamish people as they would to their landlord or bank. Real Rent is not a donation, it is a form of education and advocacy. 

The practice of Real Rent is supposed to be a continued commitment to understanding the history of this land, this land’s health and this land’s original inhabitants. No designated amount of rent is required each month. Rather, rent is supposed to feel meaningful to the renter. For example, according to Real Rent, one may donate $54 to signify the 54,000 original acres of Duwamish land.

The funds the Duwamish receive through Real Rent make a difference. It has allowed them to remodel their longhouse (which they built-in 2008 on ⅓ of an acre that they bought back from the city) and continue their lawsuit for federal recognition.

Paying reparations through Real Rent is a concrete step toward the Duwamish people’s justice and recognition. As an institution, University Prep is not able to pay Real Rent because of legal barriers. They have instead agreed to compensate the Duwamish tribe each time the school invites a speaker, this has happened once so far. We as a community must do better. 

As students and citizens of Seattle we have an individual responsibility to reflect on the history of the land we occupy. Beyond Real Rent, we need to think critically about the erasure of the Duwamish and other indigenous cultures from our curriculum, community and city. 

We understand that as students we individually might not have the means to become renters ourselves. However, our voices have real impact. We can, and should, begin these conversations with our families and extended family members. Do not pay rent out of obligation, fragility or superiority. Do your own research and think about what meaningful Rent means to you.