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
Mental health support can't keep up with wildfires or hurricanes As climate change drives more and more disasters, mental health support is in greater need than ever. America is not ready. by Dean Russell & Jamie Smith Hopkins & Molly Taft & Sally Deneen Columbia Journalism Investigations, Center for Public Integrity and InvestigateWest / September 23, 2020
News Calls, texts to helplines surge amid COVID-19 Over the course of the stay-at-home order, the federal Disaster Distress Hotline alone has seen calls from Washington state increase sevenfold. by Dean Russell & Jamie Smith Hopkins & Sally Deneen InvestigateWest / April 24, 2020
Tech Kieran Snyder is shaking up the space where technology and language meet The Crosscut Courage Award-winner is an unapologetic disrupter. by Sheila Cain / October 7, 2019
Equity Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu leads the way by putting others first The Crosscut Courage Award-winning judge seeks justice for all. by Sheila Cain / September 30, 2019
Equity Rex Hohlbein moved from upmarket architecture to helping Seattle’s poorest rebuild An advocate for those facing homelessness offers simple ways to connect. by Sheila Cain / September 23, 2019
