The people of Suquamish took a huge step last week in finally celebrating a homecoming that was about 100 years in the making. And while the reclamation of a 1-acre parcel into the tribe’s holdings might seem inconsequential, nothing could be further from the truth.

Old Man House Park has dropped “State” from its title and while the importance of the shorter moniker might be lost on some, there are many others who see the official welcoming of the park as a huge sign of progress.

After years of waiting and hoping, public process, outcry and plenty of paperwork, the tribe has been able to secure a small piece of land that has huge cultural significance to its members. The tiny property was once the home of Chief Sealth but had been owned by the federal government and then the state until just a few days ago.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Department officials last Thursday handed the park’s title to the tribe for good, allowing the Suquamish to achieve something that some members surely felt they would not live to witness.

Despite the sometimes bitter debate over the land’s ownership, which showcased a lack of trust between neighbors in Suquamish, the tribe was able to hold its collective head high and should be congratulated on bringing the Old Man home. Now, it’s on that group to hold true to its word, thus silencing those detractors who rallied for the state to retain ownership.

To the average North Kitsap resident, the waterfront park is just that. To the Suquamish, it is a very unique piece of history.

A property that represents the past, present and future.

We hope it will allow the tribe to continue to make the best of all three.