Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT)

Five Tribes. One Vision For The Future. United For The Benefit Of All.

The Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) is a coalition of five Tribes: Spokane, Colville, Kalispel, Coeur d’Alene, and Kootenai. Together, they work to protect, preserve, and enhance their ancestral lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural traditions throughout the Columbia River Basin. Their initiatives include environmental policy, salmon restoration, forest health, intertribal governance, and cultural preservation.

UCUT needed a website that would honor each Tribe’s story, communicate complex programs clearly, and serve as a central platform for outreach, education, and advocacy. We partnered with them to create a digital presence that reflects both their strength and their long-term vision.

Visit UCUT's Website
UCUT laptop section

Our Approach

We designed a modern, mobile-optimized website that balances professionalism, cultural respect, and storytelling. The site emphasizes accessibility, clarity, and visual engagement, allowing UCUT’s mission, values, and ongoing programs to reach a broad audience.

1

Complete website redesign with an intuitive layout built around storytelling and user experience

2

Organization of complex program content and strategic copywriting for clarity and engagement

3

Visual and structural elements designed with cultural sensitivity

4

Mobile-first design and accessibility standards for wide usability

5

SEO enhancements to improve search visibility for key terms like Columbia River salmon recovery and tribal-led conservation

Project Features

1. Purposeful and Respectful Design

  • Clean layout that centers storytelling and cultural identity

  • Immersive full-screen imagery of landscapes, wildlife, and people connected to the Columbia Plateau

  • Subtle design details inspired by regional colors and traditional patterns

2. Clear Navigation and User Experience

  • Simple paths to explore focus areas such as salmon recovery, forest management, and cultural resources

  • Individual profiles for each member Tribe that celebrate their contributions and roles

  • Dynamic news section to keep partners, educators, and community members informed

3. SEO and Accessibility

  • Fully responsive design that works on all devices and screen sizes

  • Structured metadata and content for strong search engine rankings

  • Accessibility features aligned with ADA best practices

    Results & Impact

    • Visitors now have a much clearer understanding of UCUT’s purpose and programs

    • The website supports more effective outreach to policymakers, educators, and the public

    • The updated design and structure offer a respectful and accurate representation of the five Tribes and their shared vision

      Ongoing Support

      Our team continues to provide support for UCUT’s website through content updates, design improvements, and technical assistance. As their work evolves, we are ready to help them grow their digital presence to reach more people and drive even greater impact throughout the Columbia River Basin.

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