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
News Local Armenians seek community, support in Redmond Allies in the Pacific Northwest gather to raise awareness and funds amid ongoing attacks in Artsakh, a region in Azerbaijan. by Taija PerryCook / October 11, 2023 / Updated at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 11
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
Politics WA transgender youth bill targeted in national culture war Senate Bill 5599 expands an existing law to cover minors seeking protected healthcare services, including gender-affirming treatment. by Taija PerryCook & Joseph O’Sullivan / May 1, 2023
Politics Washington state may boost 988 hotline funding as demand grows An expanded budget for the new suicide and mental health crisis line would support rapid-response teams and marketing efforts. by Taija PerryCook / March 13, 2023 / Updated at 9:15 a.m. on March 14
Politics This WA bill could make it easier and safer to change your name A proposal that passed the Senate this week would boost privacy for people who are trans or queer, those escaping domestic violence, and refugees. by Taija PerryCook / March 3, 2023
Politics WA may soon expand dual-credit programs for high schoolers A package of legislative proposals would scale up enrollment efforts and subsidize fees for some students. by Taija PerryCook / February 21, 2023