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
Politics Kshama Sawant’s anti-Israel campaign Kshama Sawant wants colleagues to take a public stand on rent control. by Alex Alben / August 10, 2014
Culture The legacy of two prophets, one black, one Jewish A portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Alex Alben / January 28, 2011
Blogging the Inauguration: Bonding with strangers Improvising amid the crowds, a visitor finds the real satisfaction of the Inauguration was meeting a diverse set of people who turned it into a local festival. by Alex Alben / January 26, 2009
Tech In a volatile market, don't hit the panic button A high-tech executive and investor offers advice for the current turbulent market, comparing short-term and long-term investment strategies. by Alex Alben / October 15, 2008