Don't miss the opportunity to learn the history of Pacific Northwest tribes at one of these FREE screenings of the award-winning documentary FISH WAR: Thursday, Nov. 13, 6 pm — Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Friday, Nov 14, 6 pm — Shoreline College Saturday, Nov 15, 7 pm — Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 pm — The Roxy in Bremerton

White pine, milkweed and the blossoms of fruit trees are a few lesser-known ingredients in Indigenous foods across North America.…

White pine, milkweed and the blossoms of fruit trees are a few lesser-known ingredients in Indigenous foods across North America. These foods also include fish, shellfish, seaweed, berries, root vegetables, grains and big game.   While access to several of these food types is uncommon—in favor of mass-produced agricultural products in westernized cultures like beef and wheat and garden-variety vegetables—Native American knowledge keepers and a growing movement of Indigenous food producers are working to change course.  

The Squaxin Island Tribe is exploring whether local populations of native cockles—an important food source for tribal members—can be supplemented…

The Squaxin Island Tribe is exploring whether local populations of native cockles—an important food source for tribal members—can be supplemented by those that grow as a byproduct in geoduck farming tubes. Conversation about the project started in 2024, after a large die-off of the bivalve mollusks were observed on Squaxin Island and throughout the Salish Sea. “Cockles are an important first food for tribes,” said Rana Brown, shellfish biologist for the tribe.

Approaching the Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is otherworldly: seals swimming within a shallow bay, a cacophony of squawking seagulls on the shore, and tufted puffins nesting in the bluff above. Not a single human to be seen, except for the island’s lone resident who lives up and over on the other side of the hill.

A small group of tribal teens hunched over a skull in the woods, peering closely to figure out what kind…

A small group of tribal teens hunched over a skull in the woods, peering closely to figure out what kind of animal it’s from. The skull was a clue provided by Michelle Peziol, a certified wildlife tracker for CyberTracker North America, during an animal track and sign certification course in August held on the Olympic Peninsula. Participants came from the six tribes involved in the Olympic Cougar Project—Quinault, Makah, Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Skokomish.

Our region is facing tremendous setbacks for salmon populations and Northwest tribal treaty rights. Fish runs continue to fall short while Indigenous communities bear the brunt of climate change, political polarization, and existential threats to their way of life. Tribes can’t overcome these issues alone, but it’s not just a matter of finding allies — it’s how to get them in the game. The Billy Frank Jr. Salmon Coalition, formed by Salmon Defense, has taken an innovative approach to protect salmon, restore ecosystems, and build climate resilience by uniting unexpected allies, who have often been at odds in the past. ​This diverse coalition includes tribal leaders, scientists, state and local officials, fishers, attorneys, conservation groups, and local industries. Join us on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, for a conversation offering a timely reminder that Indigenous knowledge systems are not only vital to climate resiliency but must also be centered in policy-driven solutions. See how cross-cultural dialogue can help foster creativity and how lasting alliances are strengthened by collaboration amongst groups with different viewpoints.

Protecting Natural Resources for Everyone

An abundance of young razor clams along the south end of Kalaloch Beach caught the attention of the staff from…

An abundance of young razor clams along the south end of Kalaloch Beach caught the attention of the staff from the Quinault Indian Nation and Hoh Tribe during this year’s population survey. “It’ll be interesting to see if they survive to grow big and for us to find again next year during the assessment,” said Scott Mazzone, Quinault’s marine fish/ shellfish biologist.

Readings, film screenings, gatherings and other resources for Whatcom and Skagit counties

The Point No Point Treaty Council is diving into a question that’s been on many minds: how much impact are seals having on salmon populations? To find out, scientists are counting seals and collecting their scat. “We know from work broadly done in the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca that seals do consume salmonids,” said Dylan Bergman, the treaty council’s wildlife biologist.

People looking over the waters off Squaxin Island early this summer had the chance to glimpse a peculiar sight: boats…