A new crisis line for Native people in Washington state A statewide crisis line that debuted earlier this month is the first in the country to be specifically geared toward serving Native American and Alaska Native people, a resource that advocates say is much-needed. Ashley Hiruko
Native representation to increase in Washington Legislature Washington state is home to 29 federally recognized Native American Tribes, but only one Native person currently serves in the state Legislature. That will change next year. Three enrolled members of Native tribes are poised to win their elections this fall. David Hyde Play AudioListen 1 min
Powwows return to Washington's prisons Powwows for Native American prison inmates in Washington state have been an annual tradition, but they were halted amid pandemic shutdowns. Now, the celebrations in the state’s 12 correctional facilities have returned. Doug Nadvornick Play AudioListen 5 mins
What the potential end of the Indian Child Welfare Act could mean for tribal rights Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to help remedy a long history of atrocities committed against Native American families. But now three states and several individuals are challenging the law in the United States Supreme Court, arguing it's unconstitutional. The challenge mostly hinges on a major question: whether tribal membership is a political designation or a racial identity. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 33 mins
After years of sewage spills, King County settles tribal lawsuit, agrees to plant upgrades In 2017, catastrophic failures at the West Point Treatment Plant in Discovery Park turned into one of the worst infrastructure disasters in the region’s history – sending 30 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Sound. The Department of Ecology fined King County and ordered improvements. But smaller spills have continued: In 2018 and 2019 the plant dumped more than six million gallons of untreated or improperly treated sewage into the Puget Sound. So, the Suquamish Tribe took a big step: In 2020, it announced its intent to sue the County. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 12 mins
On a low tide, two stories collide: Reporter's Notebook It’s funny how stories collide sometimes. John Ryan
Swinomish Tribe builds US’s first modern ‘clam garden,' reviving ancient practice By the time you read this story, what it describes will probably have disappeared beneath the waves. That’s how it was meant to be -- and how it used to be. John Ryan Play AudioListen 5 mins
Chinook Indian Nation members rally for federal recognition Members of the Chinook Indian Nation rallied Monday on the steps of a federal building in Seattle to raise awareness for their long fight to get federal recognition. Chairman Tony Johnson, whose tribal name is Naschio, said his great-great-grandfather and other leaders first hired lawyers to sue for their lands back in the 1890s. Scott Greenstone
A new clinic brings Indigenous health care to Pioneer Square Last week, a new clinic opened its doors in Pioneer Square. The Seattle Indian Health Board's newest center is located on the bottom floor of the new ?ál?al building, which means home in Lushootseed – at the Chief Seattle Club. And with it's creation, people will now be able to receive wraparound services at the club that are all managed and run by Indigenous people. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 11 mins
Seattle Indian Health Board celebrates new Pioneer Square clinic Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood saw a grand opening Thursday – for a new health clinic focused specifically on the needs of Native American patients. Amy Radil
