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
Politics How redistricting changed WA’s 12th Legislative District Once considered a conservative stronghold, new boundaries extending into King and Snohomish counties are altering the political landscape. by Dominick Bonny / October 24, 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
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 Cashmere senior challenges WA schools to speak out against racism Even as educators grapple with starting the discussion, students throughout the state say that racist bullying remains a problem. by Dominick Bonny / June 9, 2023
Environment Washington scablands tour explores Native history, sacred sites Colville elder Randy Lewis leads a day-long bus trip through the canyons, columns and geological structures that hold special meaning for local tribes. by Dominick Bonny / May 9, 2023
News Refugees in Central Washington are making new holiday traditions Families from Ukraine and Afghanistan celebrate the season with communities they have found in Wenatchee. by Dominick Bonny / December 29, 2022
Equity Wenatchee's Drag Queen Story Hour met with enthusiasm, protests Though protesters forced a change of venue, families say the YWCA event — which involves drag queens reading books to children — was a success. by Dominick Bonny / November 15, 2022