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
News More Black and Latinx people in Washington are getting vaccines A Crosscut reader asked: How does the state track vaccines by race? By asking patients and providers, which means the data can be incomplete. by Lilly Fowler / March 23, 2021
News Private prison ban could limit ICE detention in the Pacific Northwest The recent cancellation of ICE contracts and possible action from the Washington state Legislature could curtail detention in the near future. by Lilly Fowler / March 2, 2021
Equity Washington’s vaccine rollout slower for BIPOC communities Although some progress has been made in the state’s vaccination efforts, critics say there are still plenty of kinks to be worked out. by Lilly Fowler / February 22, 2021
Inside Cascade PBS WA immigration advocates want to do more than erase the Trump years Immigrants and activists argue the Biden administration isn’t moving fast enough on processing asylum seekers and reuniting migrant families. by Lilly Fowler / February 9, 2021
Equity Left on their own in the PNW, immigrant youth fight ICE together They may have different backgrounds, but they’re sticking with each other to form a ‘super familia’ and help others like them. by Lilly Fowler / February 8, 2021
