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
Opinion A law Lorena González devised now benefits her Seattle mayoral campaign Something’s not right about a situation where out-of-state unions can influence local elections, but Seattle-based Amazon can't. by Joni Balter / September 22, 2021
Opinion In Seattle mayoral race, top contenders must make a case for change Both Lorena González and Bruce Harrell come with City Hall baggage. by Joni Balter / July 27, 2021
Opinion Why 2021 might be the year of backlash in Seattle city elections Grumpy, agitated, or embarrassed voters do not favor the status quo. They vote for change. by Joni Balter / June 11, 2021
News Cruise ships returning to Seattle as pandemic restrictions ease The big tourism business may give the city an economic boost, but it also reopens a clash between business and the environment. by Gregory Scruggs / May 28, 2021
Opinion How Compassion Seattle could shape the mayoral race The authors of the homelessness initiative have pulled a page from the Tim Eyman playbook, using a hot-button issue that could drive turnout and force candidates to take a stand. by Joni Balter / May 24, 2021