Cascadia today: Seattle schools prepare to sue over trans sports ban + will Hood canal be renamed? + lots of boats at Columbia River museum
Seattle school district considers lawsuit over trans sports law
KUOW reports that Seattle public schools are preparing a legal challenge to Washington's recently-passed ban on trans girls playing girls' sports. The school board will consider a resolution authorizing the district to sue the state over a requirement that all girls, as young as 11, prove they have a vagina before they're allowed to play sports. Gender Justice League, a trans right organization, is also preparing a lawsuit.
Progressives ready to tackle Portland issues
Portland Mercury talks with re-elected progressives on Portland's city council, and looks at how an expensive campaign by wealthy conservative to unseat them failed miserably. Three democratic socialists will return, including Mitch Green – who had been the target of ad campaigns over angry tweets he once sent in reaction to police brutality during the 2020 BLM protests. The council will face difficult decisions on budgets, and homeless policy next year.
Take survey on Cascadia high speed rail
The Washington department of transportation is conducting a survey about high speed rail between Vancouver BC and Portland (and also about the future of freeways in the corridor). Please set aside a few minutes to take the survey and speak up for the need for high speed rail in our region – not only to improve travel efficiency but to build an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Cascadia. Climate change is a real threat and we need to meet climate targets by dramatically reducing emissions.
Effort to rename Hood Canal leaves out Indigenous perspective
There's a fascinating article at KUOW about efforts to rename Hood Canal, a body of water in in Puget Sound that's named for a British aristocrat and isn't a canal. Trouble is, the effort to rename it "Salish Fjord" is led by a white woman from Poulsbo who didn't consult with local Indigenous nations about what THEY have called the narrow channel since time immemorial. The Twana people call it tuwaduq sidaqʷ, which translates to "saltwater of the Twana people." Understandably, local tribes, including the Skokomish, are opposing the name change. And that's a good thing. Any effort remove colonial names and officially return Indigenous names to Cascadia's geographic features needs to have enthusiast Indigenous support.
Why are cottonwoods disappearing in northern BC?
The Tyee has a great, detailed feature on how cottonwoods are not returning to the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers near Prince George in northern British Columbia. The article examines multiple threats to the fast-growing trees, including dams, farming, and logging. Coordinated efforts to replant trees and restore healthy river ecosystems includes the participation various First Nations in the region, including the Lheidli T’enneh.
New maritime hall opens at Columbia River Museum
OPB looks at the opening of a vast new exhibit of boats and maritime history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. Opening on Nov 20, the 24,000 square foot hall including fishing vessels, Coast Guard ships and helicopters, and much more. Looks cool! Find out more at their website.
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