Nickelsville showing up at the Daybreak Star Center in Discovery Park last night presents and interesting conundrum for the United Indians of All Tribes, which is sympathetic to the group and its plight, but leases the property from the city’s Parks Department. “Initially our response is to support them,” says United Indians Executive Director Marty Bluewater. “If it was up to us we would probably accommodate them until they find a new place to go. Their track record of managing the camp is pretty good. We don’t feel we have any real concerns at the moment. …But we’re a bit caught in the middle. The reality is the mayor’s office will likely try and remove them as soon as possible.”History also plays a role here. The tribes took control of the land surrounding the Daybreak Star Center– which they argued was rightfully theirs to begin with– through a high-profile battle more than 30 years ago. “We didn’t get where we are without some major action that was outside the statute,” says Bluewater. “We’re certainly sympathetic to what they’re trying to do.”For their part, Nickelsville organizers are happy to have made it across town together to another place to stay, even if it’s just for a few days. Though they may have little choice in the matter depending on what action the city takes, they say that Discovery Park is only a temporary stop. They’re still looking for a permanent site for the encampment. Odds are their new neighbors in Magnolia won’t be as friendly as those in Highland Park, who sent a letter to the mayor on the Nickelodeons’ behalf and often honked in support as they passed by the camp. Homeowners near Discovery Park have spent the past year fighting against housing for the homeless as part of the proposed redevelopment of nearby Fort Lawton.UPDATE: Nickelsville residents are settling in, again. The kitchen is set up as are a couple dozen tents, and the front desk. A few people who were already living in the greenbelt surrounding Discovery Park have joined the encampment. Cliff (below) wanted his picture taken on his new front porch. He started living at Nickelsville when it moved to the WSDOT parking lot and says residents were promised a “room with a view” here. The wooden environs didn’t disappoint. Though it is isolated and a haul for those who work to get to town, Cliff says, at least 40 minutes by bus.
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