A great many people in the United States have an admiration for the country that holds their citizenship. But long before the creation of the US, other civilizations occupied these lands. We benefit today from their centuries of stewardship in those early times. So valued was their contribution that Native Americans were often close friends of the early settlers. This friendship continued with the Founding Fathers. The Constitutional debates during these times clearly show the influences of the various Native cultures. Today we find a serious absence of these friendships and cultural ties. Native Americans have been isolated from the Western development of the United States, unless through assimilation. And yet we continue to look favourably upon some Native teachings and certain aspects of Native cultures. It is time to orchestrate a more concerted effort to bridge the divides to our old friends. At minimum we need to honour the tribes who once populated these lands, granting recognition of their contributions. One such tribe is the Duwamish of the Pacific Northwest. How can the US not recognize a tribe whose chief an entire City was named after…and who is often quoted regarding respect for the land? That city is Seattle, and yet Chief Seattle's Duwamish Tribe remains unrecognized despite the treaties to which they are signators. I propose these lost tribes be given their rightful place in the United States and that we encourage and support programs to openly recognize these vitally important cultures. I recommend the creation of a panel to outline recommendations on how these voices can be heard. Can we reach a compromise which would empower the Native voices to have their own unified yet independent 'state' represented by 2 senators and numerous representatives? Their voice is needed in our government. This is one of the current on-going projects of BaseCamp Solstice. www.BaseCampSolstice.info