Simon Moya-Smith

Simon Moya-Smith is a freelance reporter who’s written for Columbia Journalism Review, The Cut, and Lonely Planet, among other outlets.

Activists and members of different tribes from the region protest in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3, 2020, as they demonstrate around the Mount Rushmore National Monument and the visit of President Donald Trump.

Trump Can’t Strip Natives of Our US Citizenship, but He Will Try to Take Our Lands Trump Can’t Strip Natives of Our US Citizenship, but He Will Try to Take Our Lands

The Department of Justice recently argued that birthright citizenship does not apply to Native Americans. The administration will likely take aim at Native sovereignty next.

Feb 11, 2025 / Simon Moya-Smith

T-shirts reading “Natives Vote” are pictured at the Walker River Paiute Reservation's administrative offices in Schurz, Nevada, on October 16, 2024.

Intimidation, Voter Suppression, and Racism in Indian Country Intimidation, Voter Suppression, and Racism in Indian Country

Obstacles to voting come in many forms during an election year—especially if you’re a Native voter.

Nov 1, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

Pins are pictured at a display counter during a cultural meeting at the Comanche Nation fairgrounds in Lawton, Oklahoma, on September 30, 2023

A Native Movement Hopes to Get Out the Vote. But Some Native Americans Say, “No Thanks!” A Native Movement Hopes to Get Out the Vote. But Some Native Americans Say, “No Thanks!”

Democrats in Indian Country are organizing under a slogan: “Voting is sacred.” But some Native Americans wonder why they should participate in a system that ignores them.

Sep 25, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, is welcomed into the House chambers for the State of the State address on April 19, 2023, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.

Meet Peggy Flanagan, Who Could Become the First Female Native Governor Meet Peggy Flanagan, Who Could Become the First Female Native Governor

If Tim Walz becomes vice president, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor would become governor and immediately make history.

Aug 13, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

The San Francisco 49ers mascot, Sourdough Sam, leads the team onto the field at the start of the game between the Washington Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.

Who Were the Real 49ers? Who Were the Real 49ers?

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers may feel like their team name is less racist than the “Chiefs,” but given the bloody history of the Gold Rush, they shouldn’t be so smug.

Feb 9, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder

Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder

The California legislature hears painful testimony about how state universities have looted Indigenous body parts and culture.

Sep 1, 2023 / Simon Moya-Smith

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt bangs the team's end-zone drum

The Fight to Defeat the Name of the Kansas City Chiefs The Fight to Defeat the Name of the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs compete again in the Super Bowl, it's time to take their racist name off the national stage.

Feb 10, 2023 / Simon Moya-Smith

Sharon Lewis, a Pueblo of Acoma Native

Why Democrats Lose When They Ignore the Native Vote Why Democrats Lose When They Ignore the Native Vote

Indigenous organizers and activists say that the party can't afford to overlook them any longer

Nov 15, 2022 / Simon Moya-Smith

x