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
Investigations The effort to save SeaTac’s biggest forest amid airport expansion Community pressure and federal legislation could help protect a hard-won South King County park from long-term development. by Hannah Weinberger / September 28, 2023
Investigations Amid heavy smoke, wildfire crews work without practical respirators 'There are times where you just don’t breathe, because you can’t.' by Hannah Weinberger / August 29, 2023
Investigations What WA’s new wildfire smoke rules might mean for outdoor workers Washington could be the second state to impose permanent safety regulations, but employers and workplace advocates disagree on the proposal. by Hannah Weinberger & Farah Eltohamy / August 2, 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
Environment In Washington, people keep building houses where they might burn Researchers found as more Americans move into fire-risk areas, they increase the likelihood and impact of wildfires. by Carl Segerstrom RANGE / June 26, 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 Climate hazards are the Duwamish Valley’s top concern, survey finds The Duwamish Valley Climate Resilience Survey found environmental impacts outweigh issues like crime and housing for residents. How can people prepare? by Hannah Weinberger / June 2, 2023