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
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Harvesting fleece on a Yakima Valley alpaca farm Jennifer and John Ely of Sage Bluff Alpacas employ kindness, hard work and enthusiasm to produce prized luxury fiber for yarn and garments. by Sarah Hall / August 25, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: A WWII airfield turned winery in the Yakima Valley The historic property has been passed through one family since the 1920s. Now it’s used as a vineyard and facility for Airfield Estates. by Sarah Hall / August 18, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: The origins of the Northwest’s iconic Chukar Cherries Pam Montgomery took a chance on a Prosser orchard 35 years ago — and pioneered sweet success in the form of a fruity chocolate drop. by Sarah Hall / August 11, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Yakama artist Bessie Bill weaves traditional wa’paas Used for root gathering, the handcrafted bags are a way for Bill to connect to her heritage and her ceremonial name “One Who Makes Good Baskets.” by Sarah Hall / August 4, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Wood-wick candles crafted with care in Yakima Chantel Ramirez of Wild Wickzology uses repurposed containers, most notably Mexican dough bowls, to ignite her artisan creations. by Sarah Hall / July 28, 2023
Culture Made There: In the Yakima Valley, Bale Breaker brews hoppyness A multigenerational hop-farming family in Moxee pays it forward to their industry and the Valley’s beer-loving bunch. by Sarah Hall / July 21, 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