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
Politics Young Latinos in Spokane hope to make voices heard this election In a specially crucial election, political activists have worked to translate the county voter guide into Spanish and combat disenfranchisement. by Erin Sellers RANGE / November 1, 2024
News Dancers struggle to find work as Eastern WA’s last strip club closes “Clubs shutting down may not immediately lead to trafficking,” says one advocate. “But it immediately leads to all sorts of other vulnerable situations.” by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / June 28, 2024
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
News Spokane downtown Pride mural isn’t going anywhere, community vows The city-funded rainbow flag has been a frequent vandalism target, but allies have raised $15K to repaint it. by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / June 11, 2024
Equity Washington patients fear losing access to care as hospitals merge A bill calls for state review of consolidation, as abortions and gender-affirming procedures could be cut by religiously affiliated health systems. by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / February 19, 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
News A WA city council might give itself the power to ban library books The Liberty Lake proposal would usurp the library board of trustees’ policy-making control, including decisions about which titles to stock. by Aaron Hedge & Erin Sellers RANGE Media / December 5, 2023
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