Explore the ‘Northwest Passage’ Online

Black-and-white drawing of a face with sunglasses and long wavy hair that looks like clouds over a row of mountains and trees and the words "northwest perspectives."

What was it like to be part of the counterculture in Western Washington in the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s? You can explore that question and much more through the local underground newspaper, Northwest Passage (1969 to 1986), originally published in Bellingham and then later in Seattle. This digital collection provides keyword searchable access to a nearly complete run of this publication and is available in MABEL, Western's Multimedia Archives Based Electronic Library.

Putting the Northwest Passage online has allowed for expanded access to this important historical collection in support of teaching, learning, and research. Northwest Passage presented diverse articles, artwork, and perspectives representing voices outside of mainstream journalism. In addition to regular commentary about local and national politics, foreign policy, and the environment, Northwest Passage includes progressive content on issues such as health care, sexuality, education, civil rights, organic farming and sustainable living. To discuss ideas for integrating this resource into your classes or assignments, please contact Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections.