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 Forget banning books — a rural WA county may close its library After a fight over LGBTQ+ young-adult titles, a November ballot measure will decide the fate of the only library in Columbia County. by Meg Butterworth / August 9, 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 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 Snohomish moms dealing with addiction get help to keep their newborns The nonprofit FIRST Clinic works to prevent family separation by pairing parents in addiction recovery with healthcare and legal support. by Allegra Abramo The Imprint / June 15, 2022
Equity How programs for homeless youth pivoted in the pandemic Upended by COVID-19, some service providers went online, took to the road or otherwise found new ways to aid homeless youth and young adults. by Allegra Abramo & Sam Leeds Youth Today / February 7, 2022
News Despite court order, WA foster care system still out of compliance The state has been in violation of a federal injunction numerous times in the 30 days since the agreement was signed. by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / August 12, 2021
Equity WA schools catching up on Black history and ethnic studies The state is following in the steps of more progressive states that have led the way on making history classes reflect our diverse country. by Meg Butterworth / April 29, 2021