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 Lessons from a year of reporting on climate solutions in the PNW 11 steps Washington, Oregon and British Columbia can take to decarbonize the economy. by Robert McClure & Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / December 15, 2021
Environment 25 climate actions Cascadia could take in 2022 Government officials, activists and academics from British Columbia, Washington and Oregon offer next steps to help the region cut carbon emissions and hit climate goals by 2030. by Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / December 9, 2021
Environment How Cascadia can fight climate change in 2022 — and get back on track Climate scientists set a 2030 deadline for us to reduce emissions and prevent further environmental devastation. by Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / December 8, 2021
Environment Climate and quality-of-life activists find common ground at Boeing Field Local groups pressure government to respond to climate change and health concerns. by Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / November 12, 2021 / Updated at 9:40 a.m. on Nov. 12
Environment How the West’s divided electric grid slows green growth A hodgepodge of utilities run the West’s electrical grid. Will billions in federal funding help them get along? by Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / August 25, 2021