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
Environment A federal program could fix Washington’s salmon-killing culverts It would cost the state about $7.5 billion to repair culverts that violate Indigenous fishing rights, but millions from the U.S. government could help. by Ben Goldfarb Hakai Magazine / April 22, 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
Culture Raising a glass to a beloved Ballard dive bar The People's Pub in Ballard closes its doors on Saturday after 17 years in business. (Photos by Matt M. McKnight/Crosscut) by Katy Sewall / August 10, 2017
Equity On the Columbia, broken promises for tribal housing Russell Tahkeal walks through the fishing camp at Cooks Landing, Washington. The federal government is legally obligated to maintain these camps. by Ben Goldfarb for High Country News / August 16, 2016