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
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
News WA misses deadline to bring foster kids back from out-of-state homes Following reports of abuse, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it would bring back nearly 100 Washington youth by the end of September. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / December 2, 2020 / Updated Dec. 4 at 12:40 p.m.
Politics WA voters to decide whether to mandate sex ed in schools Parents, advocates, candidates and religious groups debate what students should be taught about sex in WA public schools. by Meg Butterworth / October 15, 2020
Equity WA relying on hotels, state offices to house foster kids more than ever With nowhere else to go, the state’s most at-risk kids — and their caseworkers — are faced with limited options. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / September 7, 2020
