User:Claylaskey/Cecile Hansen

Cecile Hansen is the current tribal chairwoman of the Duwamish tribe, and ancestor of chief Si’ahl (chief Seattle). Hansen has served as a chairwoman since 1975. Her goal has been to “correct an injustice”. She has dealt with issues such as the loss of the Duwamish tribe’s traditional lands (present day Seattle) and fighting for their fishing rights on the Duwamish River.

Childhood
Cecile Hansen was born on the Tulalip Reservation. Growing up, Hansen’s mother worked at her cannery, while her father was both a logger and a fisherman. She attended Puget Sound Junior High School and continued on to graduate from Highline High School in 1955. At the age of thirteen, Hansen’s mother told her that she is the great-great-grand-niece of Chief Si’ahl, who was leader of the Duwamish Tribe and friend to the white people, who later named their city, Seattle, after him.

Young Adulthood
During her time in high school and the years after, Hansen volunteered with the OSU. This included going to chaperoned dances on military bases in Washington state. Here, she got opportunities to talk with servicemen. She fell in love with with a United States Army Soldier and member of the Quileute Tribe, Charles Williams. They married in 1955, moved to the Queets Reservation, and had several children.

Work & Accomplishments
Once in her thirties, Cecile Hansen began to explore more deeply her heritage by talking with elders and historians. She fought against various disparities and issues that the Duwamish people faced. She has worked towards the goal of restoring the legacy of the Duwamish tribe.