​“We sacrificed our land to make the City of Seattle a beautiful reality.
​We are still waiting for our justice.”
​- Cecile Hansen, Chairwoman of Duwamish Tribe

What is Real Rent?​

Real Rent calls on people who live and work in Seattle to make rent payments to the Duwamish Tribe. Though the city named for the Duwamish leader Chief Seattle thrives:

The Tribe has yet to be justly compensated for their land, resources, and livelihood. 

You can do something today to stand in solidarity with First Peoples of this land by paying Real Rent. 
All funds go directly to Duwamish Tribal Services (DTS) to support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe.

Join this grassroots movement today! 

Become a Real Renter.




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Image ​© Damien Conway 2015

Why Pay Real Rent?

​This land has a story. What role will you play?
The Duwamish have lived here since time immemorial. Their culture and identity are tied to the history and health of the land. We stand to learn from the Tribe as stewards of this area and to act in solidarity with them to keep this place alive and thriving.
​The Duwamish are integral to the city of Seattle 
​Generations of Seattleites continue to benefit from the Duwamish People's presence and stewardship of this land. Today, tribal elders spend countless hours offering blessings at events and educating our community on the rich history of this place and her Peoples. We could not call this city home without the Duwamish Tribe. 



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Image ​© Alex Garland 2015

​The Tribe does not benefit from federal recognition.
The Duwamish do not have just access to the resources of their homelands. After decades of resistance to erasure, the Duwamish remain unacknowledged by the federal, state, and local governments.
​Redistribution of resources is one concrete step towards justice.
Our government hasn't honored the treaty, but WE can.
​In 1971, 1,000 Duwamish members were paid $64 each for their land.
​So, in total, they were paid $64,000 for 54,000 acres.
$64,000 adjusted for inflation in 2024 would be $500,000.
This is the cost of a 1 bedroom apartment in Seattle today.
It is not now, nor was it in 1971, the true cost of 54,000 acres that an entire tribe called home.
We need to work together to begin to account for this and countless other inequities.







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Im​age ​© Rachel Doelling 2016
How Will My Rent Make An Impact?
100% of Real Rent goes to the non-profit, Duwamish Tribal Services, run by the Duwamish Tribe.
With limited resources, DTS provides social, educational, health, and cultural services.
They operate the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, which is a free museum, event space and community center.

What's the “Right" Rent?

Just as everybody’s financial situation is unique, so is the amount of rent that will feel meaningful to you. You may choose to give a percentage of your income or monthly rent/mortgage, or perhaps there is another number that holds symbolic significance for you. For example, paying $54 a month could serve as a powerful reminder of the 54,000 acres of homeland that the Duwamish Tribe signed over to settlers in 1855.
“The Duwamish people are on my mind and in my heart.  My donation of $18.55 per month is symbolic of the broken promises since the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855 and of how I and many others are trying to help in the here and now.”
--Patrick, Seattle Real Renter