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
Environment Will limits on fishing free up salmon for starving orcas? With fishery limits now set, attention turns to rebuilding "overfished" salmon runs and protecting Southern Resident orcas. by Jes Burns OPB / April 22, 2019
Environment Forget Smokey — new tech helps us assess fire danger Visitors to Northwest forests and parks will still see Smokey the Bear and the familiar fire danger color scheme, but new science will inform those predictions. by Jes Burns OPB / April 15, 2019
Environment Scientists help hatchery salmon find the sweet smell of home Confused salmon keep getting lost on their way back to the nest, but wildlife scientists are helping them make scents of the journey. by Jes Burns / December 11, 2018
Environment Old-growth forests could help native songbird species beat climate change How songbirds move could help explain how bird species are dealing with rising temperatures and climate change. by Jes Burns OPB/EarthFix / October 8, 2018
Environment More gray whale sightings along the Northwest coast Counts at Oregon’s Whale Watching Center at Depoe Bay have been between five and 10 per day. by Jes Burns EarthFix / March 26, 2018
