Common Ground Community Table operates throughout Washington State — land that has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.

We acknowledge that Washington State sits on the ancestral homelands of many sovereign Native nations — including but not limited to the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip, Spokane, Yakama, Colville, Lummi, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, and the many other First Peoples whose presence, culture, and stewardship have shaped this land for thousands of years. We honor their elders — past, present, and emerging — and recognize that their connection to this land has never ended.

This acknowledgment is not a formality. It is personal. As an organization founded by a person of Native American heritage, we do not offer these words lightly. They come from ancestral connection, from lived identity, and from a deep understanding that the land beneath our feet carries history that demands more than silence.

We recognize that acknowledgment alone is not enough. Common Ground Community Table commits to:

• Centering and serving Indigenous community members in all that we do

• Actively working to dismantle the systems of harm that have disproportionately impacted Native peoples — including in housing, healthcare, child welfare, and criminal justice

• Learning from and being accountable to Indigenous communities across Washington State

• Ensuring that our doors, our programs, and our table are always open to Native peoples without condition

We are guests on this land. We carry that responsibility with humility, with gratitude, and with action.

Prepared with respect by Common Ground Community Table — a multi-faith, all-inclusive, peer-led organization serving all people across Washington State.

From Words to Action — Support Indigenous Communities

Acknowledgment without action is incomplete. If this page moves you, consider supporting Indigenous-led organizations directly:

Real Rent Duwamish Website: realrentduwamish.org Monthly giving program supporting Duwamish Tribal Services — the original people of the Seattle area. 100% of funds go directly to the tribe supporting cultural preservation, community services, and the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center.

Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Website: narf.org A national nonprofit providing legal representation and advocacy for Native American tribes, organizations, and individuals. Fighting for treaty rights and tribal sovereignty since 1970.

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Community Fund Website: muckleshoot.nsn.us Supporting the Muckleshoot Tribe — one of the federally recognized nations of the greater King County and Auburn area.

First Nations Development Institute Website: firstnations.org Supporting Indigenous communities across the country through asset building, research, and advocacy.

Common Ground Community Table does not benefit financially from any of these organizations. We share them because action matters more than words.