Traditional tribal dancing, story-telling, flute playing and artwork were offered at the annual Duwamish Tribe Gala Dinner and Art Auction fundraiser Saturday night, June 14, at the Longhouse Museum and Cultural Center in West Seattle.

A bit of politics were also woven in. The messages contained within the Duwamish culture that were shared at the gala, and those espoused by the Duwamish Tribal Council and Congressman Jim McDermott, told the same story, "We exist as a tribe. We are here."

The Longhouse Museum building and site, at 4705 W. Marginal Way S.W., is the only property owned by the Duwamish Tribe, and while fundraising is a priority to keep the museum running, tribal recognition is a priority to keep the Duwamish Culture afloat as well.

McDermott promised to get the ear of the new Obama administration and work toward Duwamish Tribal recognition, which came close under President Clinton, then got lost in the shuffle under President Bush, he said.

"I think there's a real chance we'll get this through," said McDermott who was wearing a native American bolo tie. "The other day we got six Virginia tribes recognized and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. I said to the chairman (of the Bureau of Indian Affairs), 'We're on a roll here.'

"What is important is the spirit of the Duwamish that has kept pushing. One could give up, and say the government of the United States is never going to follow the treaties it signed, or you can keep it. That's what you've done, and my hats off to you."

"Support H.R.2678, and get the word out," said Ceclle Hansen, chairperson, Duwamish Tribe Council. She was referring to the bill McDermott introduced June 3. "They (the government) act like they don't know who we are."

After the speech the dinner, entertainment and live auction got underway. One art piece of high interest was a modern painting depicting a young Chief Sealth.

The artist is Bill Holm, and, according to the University of Washington's Web site, he is Professor Emeritus of art history, and Curator Emeritus of Northwest Coast Indian Art at the Burke Museum, recognized internationally as one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field of Northwest Coast Native art history.

So who made the highest bid? Mary Lou Slaughter, a direct descendent of Chief Sealth and a Duwamish Tribal Council member. She paid $2,200 for the piece and said she has a large piece of woven fabric to place it on in her Port Orchard home.