Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 12, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Endorses Transfer of Old Man House State Park to the Suquamish Tribe

Gov. Gary Locke today called upon the Washington State Parks Commission to transfer Old Man House State Park to the Suquamish Tribe. The Parks Commission will be considering the transfer at their meeting today in Port Angeles.

“This transfer acknowledges the responsibility and respect we have for our state’s cultural heritage,” Locke said.

Locke noted that the Suquamish Tribe has committed to maintaining the park area for educational purposes for future generations. The tribe has also worked to address the concerns of the neighboring community.

“This is an opportunity to enhance relationships, preserve our cultural heritage and help future generations to better appreciate our connections to the past,” Locke said.

Old Man House State Park is an approximately one-acre park on the Kitsap Peninsula near Suquamish. The site was the home of Chief Sealth, for whom Seattle was named. The property was transferred to the federal government from the Suquamish Tribe about 100 years ago, and later was transferred into the State Parks system.

The Suquamish Tribe in 2002 made a formal request that Old Man House State Park be transferred to the tribe. The Legislature has directed the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to consider all options for the future management of the park in responding to the request.

# # #

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive