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 WA foster parents say the state still hasn’t fixed its investigative system The state has been aware for years that fears of retaliation and frustration around investigations have driven away some otherwise willing foster parents. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 10, 2023
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 WA telehealth business closes after wage theft investigation The shutdown came a month after multiple workers detailed their experiences for InvestigateWest. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / June 22, 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 Military families battling mold, rodents in Washington base housing The Defense Department underwent reforms in 2019 after unsafe conditions were found on U.S. bases, but residents say there are still problems. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / June 12, 2023
News Washington psychologist accused of $125K in wage theft Synergia CEO Philip Hirsch has a decades-old history of allegedly shortchanging workers, who say part of the problem was a lack of oversight. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / May 15, 2023
Environment As crypto mines aim for climate action, critics call greenwashing Environmentalists are skeptical that the energy-hungry industry can achieve its ambitious goals. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / February 24, 2023