Duwamish tribe sues for recognition

SEATTLE, May 8 (UPI) -- The Duwamish tribe in Washington state has filed a federal lawsuit seeking recognition as an Indian tribe.

Winning federal recognition would allow an estimated 500 to 600 Duwamish members to get access to federal benefits, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. The tribe would also be able to set up a reservation and casinos.

The Clinton administration granted the Duwamish federal recognition shortly before President Bill Clinton left office. The Interior Department reversed the decision during the Bush administration, citing procedural errors, and then declared the Duwamish extinct.

The best-known leader of the Duwamish was Chief Seattle, who died in 1866 and gave his name to Washington's largest city.

The Snohomish, enemies of the Duwamish in the time of Chief Seattle, filed a similar lawsuit last month.