![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.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/49ers-sourdough-sam-getty.jpg)
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](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1WiyotCrop.jpg)
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](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ChiefsShotCropped.jpg)
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](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NativeVoteFitted-getty.jpg)
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