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 Fishers are back in Washington — but can they survive? Biologists released a handful of the endangered, weasel-like animals in 2008, but now they must find out if the population is sustaining itself. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / January 31, 2018
Environment On a beautiful and remote NW beach: Trash Derelict floats and other fisher gear make up some of the most visible marine debris dotting Pacific Northwest shorelines. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / December 12, 2017
Environment Your fleece is contaminating our oysters Many shellfish grown in coastal British Columbia have plastic in them, according to research led by shellfish biologist Sarah Dudas. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / September 14, 2017
Environment On San Juan Island, saving the life of a rare butterfly The island marble, considered one of the rarest butterflies in North America, only exists in a small section of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. Credit: Greg Davis by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / September 4, 2017
Politics Flora, fauna and phones? Mt. Rainier approves cellphone service Mt. Rainier National Park could soon have cell phone access, at Paradise and on nearby hikes. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / August 14, 2017
