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
Environment The San Juans are GMO-free. Is Washington next? Members of GMO-Free San Juans celebrate their win at the ballot box. From left, Ken Akopiantz, Council member Jamie Stephens and Marney Reynolds. by Amy Pennington / January 22, 2013
Culture Legalizing baking: What's the hold-up with Washington's Cottage Law? Felicia Hill, an early champion of the Cottage Industry Law, runs a cake-baking business out of her Vancouver, Wash. kitchen. by Amy Pennington / May 21, 2012
Culture Storefront mushroom farm opens in Pioneer Square [storefront] Olson Kundig Architects, home to the Mushroom Farm by Amy Pennington / February 28, 2012
Culture Winter eating: beyond kale sandwiches Rainbow chard grows all winter in the Northwest and can be used liberally in omelets, pastries, stirfries and more. by Amy Pennington / December 28, 2011
Culture Best of 2011: Farmers to Monsanto: Save our seeds Four generations of Robinettes on Lazy R Ranch. Maurice Robinette is top right. by Amy Pennington / December 23, 2011
