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
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
Culture No child left inside: Obama, Congress trying to open doors A forest stream by Bill Schneider / February 10, 2010
Culture Why the national park gun rule should stand The rule doesn't change much, says this commentator, mostly just making the status quo the legal status quo. So let it be. by Bill Schneider / January 8, 2009
Culture Making Western states bicycle-friendly Unless you're in Washington, which ranks No. 1, state officials and bicycle advocacy groups have a lot of work to do. by Bill Schneider / October 17, 2008
Politics McCain, Palin, earmarks, and the DNA of bears Grizzly bear leaving a DNA sample in a "scent trap." (U.S. Geological Survey) by Bill Schneider / October 2, 2008
Culture Extreme Seattle New demographic figures make clear what a statistical outlier Seattle is, with few families, few kids, high education, and rapid gentrification. Only San Francisco can compare. by Richard Morrill / August 26, 2008