After a successful start to the partnership, the Coquille Indian Tribe wants to be named a co-manager of the river, a proposal backed by local governments, watershed associations and business groups. The effort comes amid a broader push by Oregon tribes to gain more authority in natural resource management and water policy decisions.
Posted inSports
Indigenous Focus Hits the Ice in Professional Hockey
The NHL’s newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken, is leading the way with art and youth programs to build Native American ties to a sport that traces much of its history to Indigenous peoples of North America.
Posted inLand Back
The Indigenous Voice at the Helm of the National Park Service
In a sit-down conversation with Underscore.news, Chuck Sams, the country’s first Native American parks director, discusses the role his agency can play in better representing Indigenous people and their stories.
Posted inHousing
Historic Winter Weather Delays Nooksack Evictions in Washington
Federal government is investigating tribe’s planned evictions of more than 60 disenrolled citizens.
Posted inHousing
Federal Government Conducting Investigation as Disenrolled Nooksack Citizens Face Eviction
More than 60 former tribal citizens in Washington are set to be kicked out of their homes in a years-long saga over disenrollment.
Posted inHistories
After Being Sworn in, First Native American Parks Director Faces a ‘Huge Task’
Oregon’s Charles “Chuck” Sams III has a long list of challenges, while tribal leaders hope he will incorporate more Indigenous culture and history into the National Park Service’s operations.
Posted inProfiles
Treaty Rights Organization Welcomes First Woman Executive Director
Aja DeCoteau becomes the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s leader at a pivotal time for the future of the river and salmon.
Posted inEconomy
First Indigenous Woman-Owned Airline Takes Off
Canadian-based airline Iskwew Air launches inaugural scheduled flight after pandemic delay.
Posted inIn the Courts
Court Hears Destruction of Indigenous Religious Site Appeal
Three tribal leaders who started the case want the federal government to restore an important religious site they say the government unnecessarily destroyed for a highway-widening project in 2008 near Oregon’s Mt. Hood.
Posted inLegislature
Redistricting Leads to Concern over Diluted Indigenous Voting Power in Pacific Northwest
Critics say newly drawn state legislative maps in Oregon will make it more difficult for Native American voters to elect candidates who best represent their interests. In Washington, initial maps led to worries that the only Indigenous lawmaker in the state Legislature could lose her seat.