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
Environment Wildlife advocates skeptical of WA wolf count As the state considers removing the species’ endangered status, some argue that the Colville Tribe’s recent population estimate is implausibly high. by Alex Brown & Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / July 16, 2024
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
Environment Federal affirmative action ruling may impact WA cap-and-trade Allocating funds from the carbon plan to minority communities most affected by pollution could draw legal battles based on the new SCOTUS decision. by Alex Brown Stateline / September 8, 2023
News WA foster parents say the state still hasn’t fixed its investigative system The state has been aware for years that fears of retaliation and frustration around investigations have driven away some otherwise willing foster parents. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 10, 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 WA telehealth business closes after wage theft investigation The shutdown came a month after multiple workers detailed their experiences for InvestigateWest. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / June 22, 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
News Military families battling mold, rodents in Washington base housing The Defense Department underwent reforms in 2019 after unsafe conditions were found on U.S. bases, but residents say there are still problems. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / June 12, 2023