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 Within the Salish Sea, Samish divers research kelp forests Western science and traditional knowledge help them monitor seaweed health, vital to their culture and local ecosystems. by Luna Reyna / May 23, 2023 / Updated at 11:05 on May 23
News Families of missing Indigenous people have an ally in Roxanne White White's own journey led her to organize searches for lost loved ones and events like the May 6 march. by Luna Reyna / May 5, 2023
Politics WA may end mandatory sentencing points based on juvenile convictions HB 1324 hopes to remedy the harm of the racist 'superpredator' myth, which has lengthened the sentences for mostly Indigenous and Black youth. by Luna Reyna / April 18, 2023 / Updated on 2:10 on April 20
News Suquamish use federal cash to build housing, bring citizens back After decades of federal assimilation policies, $15 million in American Rescue Plan funding is helping construct affordable housing on their reservation. by Luna Reyna / April 5, 2023
News Two Pike Place totem poles to be removed — but maybe not for good Despite controversy, the 50-foot cedar poles could be reinstalled before Seattle's Victor Steinbrueck Park reopens this fall. by Luna Reyna / February 22, 2023