Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Cowlitz Tribe youth help lead this year’s First Salmon Ceremony “It’s what we do to thank the salmon for what they give,” said Lydia Hodges, 15, part of the new generation carrying on the sacred ritual. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / June 24, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
Equity Snoqualmie Tribe starts land protection sales tax at Salish Lodge The 2% tax will preserve ancestral sites such as Snoqualmie Falls, and could be a model for other Indigenous nations. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore/ICT / July 17, 2023
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 2023
News How virtual school is straining the mental health of WA students Are the kids all right? Counselors and legislators want to know. by Agueda Pacheco Flores / March 4, 2021 / Updated at 3:25 p.m. on March 5
News With vaccine questions looming, WA schools struggle with reopening Bellevue School District and Seattle Public Schools show why reopening won’t be easy, even as vaccine rollout continues. by Agueda Pacheco Flores / February 3, 2021
News What it takes to reopen Washington schools in a pandemic From communication to flexibility, superintendents across the state discuss how their districts safely reopened. by Agueda Pacheco Flores / January 13, 2021 / Jan. 14 10:04 a.m.
Culture Washington-made soaps to wash away 2020 Artisans from Shelton to Bellingham are making beautiful bars to help start the new year with a clean slate. by Brangien Davis & Agueda Pacheco Flores / December 23, 2020
Culture Art Pulse: A Northwest ‘Nutcracker’ with Filipino flair Evergreen City Ballet director Bennyroyce Royon says the snow must go on. by Agueda Pacheco Flores / December 18, 2020 / Updated 10:55 a.m. Dec. 18