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 Podcast | Why the ancient stories of Mount Rainier matter now Peter Rainier never set foot on this continent. Some tribal members suggest giving a more fitting name for Washington’s tallest peak. by Ted Alvarez & Sara Bernard / October 6, 2021
Environment Podcast | A reluctant birder dabbles in an exploding pandemic pastime Ted Alvarez thinks birding is boring. But with so much interest in it now, he decides to investigate. by Ted Alvarez & Sara Bernard / September 29, 2021
Environment Podcast | Hunting for one of Washington’s rarest flowers Professor Steven Clark is on an ongoing quest to find a rare daisy that helps us understand the intricacies of evolution. by Ted Alvarez & Sara Bernard / September 22, 2021
Environment Podcast | WA group brings science to the legend of Sasquatch To find the mythical beast, members of the Olympic Project first analyze the evidence. by Ted Alvarez & Sara Bernard / September 15, 2021
Environment Podcast | The risks and rewards of mushroom hunting in the Northwest Wild mushroom foraging can be deadly. But in a region crammed with thousands of edible species, it’s fiercely beloved. by Ted Alvarez & Sara Bernard / September 8, 2021