Nika Bartoo-Smith

Nika is a journalist with a passion for working to provide platforms for the voices and experiences of communities often left behind in mainstream media coverage. Born and raised in Portland, Nika is a descendant of the Osage and Oneida Nations, with Northern European and Indonesian heritage. A joint reporter with Underscore News + ICT since March 2023, she previously worked as the health and social services reporter at The Columbian in Vancouver, Washington. Her favorite way to unwind is by trying a new recipe, browsing the aisles of a local bookstore or creating beaded jewelry.

Twitter: @BartooNika

Email: nbartoosmith@underscore.news

Click here to view stories by Nika.

Pieces by this contributor

How Native Nations Are Tackling the Opioid Epidemic

Tribal nations and Indigenous-led organizations are increasing their efforts to support those struggling with substance use disorder. Many are turning to medication-assisted treatment vans as a way to expand access to care.

Portland Pilots Basketball Player Accepts Position with Team

College basketball star Kianna Hamilton, citizen of the Osage Nation, finishes out her last season of college ball on the University of Portland women’s basketball team and looks to her new role as director of basketball operations for the Portland Pilots.

In Memoriam: Native Comic Artist Jeffrey Veregge

After battling lupus for over two years, renowned comic artist from the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Jeffrey Veregge, passed away from a heart attack at 50.

Eliminating blood quantum requirements for US-Canada crossing

New legislation could end the decades-old policy requiring proof of blood quantum to cross between the U.S. and Canada, which has violated the rights of Native nations to establish their own citizenship requirements.

Javelina: Bringing Indigenous Cuisine to Portland

The only Native pop-up restaurant in Portland brings Indigenous comfort foods and traditional first foods to the city’s fine dining scene.

A Land Back Win for the Yurok Tribe

The Yurok Tribe entered into an innovative agreement in which their nation will co-manage returned land with the National Park Service and California State Parks.

New Native Arts & Cultures Foundation Leader Seeks to Shine Light on Indigeneity

Shyla Spicer, the new president and CEO of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, wants to create a hub for Indigenous artists in Portland.

First Gathering of Native Weavers of Oregon Keeps Tradition Alive

At a conference on the Oregon Coast hosted by the Portland All Nations Canoe Family, traditional weavers of all ages and skill levels shared stories and knowledge, stitch by stitch.

Experts Question Oregon Lawmakers’ Move to Recriminalize Drug Possession

If signed by Gov. Tina Kotek, the law is likely to be enforced unfairly, according to recent studies. And a provision requiring mandatory treatment instead of jail time will not apply on most Indigenous reservations in the state.

In Memoriam: Yakama leader Ted Strong

February 20, 2024

Remembering a beloved and influential former executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

Choctaw Geologist and Beadworker Teaches at Whitman

January 29, 2024

Whitman College welcomes first Choctaw visiting educator, Roger Amerman, as he is fresh off of working on Marvel's new show, “Echo.”

MMIP Advocate Becomes First Native Member of Oregon Women’s Football Team

January 19, 2024

Kola Shippentower, Umatilla, is the first Native American player for the Oregon Ravens, the state’s tackle football team for women and nonbinary players.

Salmon Claus Spreads Holiday Cheer This Christmas

December 25, 2023

Project Salmon Claus volunteers worked to make sure no child along the Columbia River would be without a gift this holiday season.

Siletz Valley Principal Fired Over Treatment of Indigenous Students

December 22, 2023

Students, families and teachers filed seven complaints against the principal at a majority-Indigenous school. But the school board didn’t investigate, until Underscore News wrote about the complaints. Last week, the board announced her termination.

Yakama Nation Unveils New Justice Center

December 15, 2023

After seven decades, Yakama Nation has the justice center its community needs.

Project Salmon Claus Delivers Christmas Along the Columbia River

December 12, 2023

For over a decade, employees of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission have brought gifts to families living at in-lieu fishing sites along the Columbia River.

Local Organizations Work to Support Queer Indigenous Youth

December 1, 2023

A new report from the Trevor Project shows LGBTQ2S+ Indigenous youth face a disproportionate rate of mental health challenges. The report's recommendations mirror work being done by local Indigenous organizations.

Portland Students Headed Back to School After Historic Strike

November 26, 2023

Notably, the tentative contract gets rid of mandatory minimum suspensions, which contribute to disproportionate rates of suspension for Native and Black students.

UnThanksgiving Organizers Want to Rethink Colonial Holidays

November 22, 2023

During a time of year that can be hard for many, especially Indigenous people, community members in Portland are organizing alternatives to Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Native American Heritage Celebrated During Portland NBA Game

November 21, 2023

Hundreds of Indigenous community members came together in celebration of Native American Heritage Month during the Portland Trail Blazers versus Oklahoma City Thunder game.

NCAI Vote to Exclude State Recognized Nations Fails

November 16, 2023

Proposed constitutional amendments to exclude state recognized tribes from voting membership of the National Congress of American Indians failed on Thursday.

Organization of Tribes Created to Uphold Sovereignty Could Vote to Exclude Members

November 14, 2023

On Thursday, members of the National Congress of American Indians will vote on a controversial constitutional amendment that would exclude 24 state-recognized tribes from voting membership.

Will Portland's Teachers Strike Change a Policy that Harms Native Students?

November 13, 2023

One of the policies at issue in negotiations between teachers and Oregon’s largest school district contributes to disproportionate rates of suspension for Native and Black students. Both sides say they want to change the policy. Will they?

Veterans Find Community in Yakama Warriors Association

November 11, 2023

The Yakama Warriors Association is a community of Native and non-Native veterans bonded through shared experiences and a commitment to honor veterans.

School Principal Investigated After Seventh Complaint

October 26, 2023

Students at Siletz Valley School objected to the school’s refusal to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The school principal later berated them for walking out in protest, but in the end, they were successful: the school board voted to designate the day an official holiday.

School Principal Investigated after Seventh Complaint

October 24, 2023

Students at Siletz Valley School objected to the school’s refusal to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The school principal later berated them for walking out in protest.

Annual Gala Celebrates Indigenous Excellence

October 20, 2023

The Northwest Native Chamber aims to uplift Indigenous economies. On Thursday, it celebrated Native entrepreneurs, students, chefs and designers with an epic party.

Leading in an Indigenous Way

October 16, 2023

Executive Director of Friends of Tryon Creek Gabe Sheoships, Cayuse and Walla Walla, is a recipient of the 2023 Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Awards.

NW Native Fashion Show a Hit

October 6, 2023

The second annual Northwest Native Fashion Show was a festival of cultural celebration. Organizers see it as a way to merge traditional and Western culture, using skills passed through countless generations to build community wealth.

Celebrated Spokane Activist Shot at New Mexico Protest

October 4, 2023

Protesters were celebrating a county decision to postpone replacement of a statue of a notoriously brutal conquistador when a man in a MAGA hat shot Spokane, Wash. artist and activist Jacob Johns.

Message of Powwow in Washington Prison: ‘You are not Forgotten’

September 26, 2023

The Washington Corrections Center for Women Sisterhood Powwow brought imprisoned women together with family and friends for a day of celebration.

Are Land Trusts Part of the Land Back Movement?

September 13, 2023

Land trusts in Oregon are beginning to transform from their white-led roots, toward models based on Indigenous values and leadership.

ATNI Establishes Tribal Embassy in Portland

September 1, 2023

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Embassy will be a central hub and a base for political action for its members: 57 Pacific Northwest tribes.

‘He Who Walks Through the Battle Smoke’

August 29, 2023

For Native hip-hop artist Kunu Bearchum, music serves as an outlet for cultural connection and social justice.

Grand Ronde Agreement with State Could Launch Litigation

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde can now issue hunting and fishing licenses to its citizens under a historic agreement with the state, despite opposition from other tribes who object to the agreement’s inclusion of Willamette Falls.

Canoe Journey 2023: ‘This is a Reawakening’

Organizers estimated 11,000 people gathered at the Muckleshoot Reservation to share songs and dances for days after 120 canoe families landed at Alki Beach in Seattle.

Pacific Northwest Canoe Journey Lands at Muckleshoot

For the next week, canoe families will participate in protocol at the Muckleshoot Community Center. “It’s kind of like a more traditional version of a powwow,” said Jolene Lozier.

Tribal Fishing Expo Back After Five Years

The return of the Columbia River Indian Fisher’s Expo provided training and resources to help tribal members improve their fishing practices.

Pacific Northwest Canoe Journey Already Underway

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe will host this year, with the theme “honoring our warriors, past and present.” Underscore News will be there to provide live coverage.

Second Annual Lamprey Celebration a Hit

Yakama Nation hosted a celebration marking another season of lamprey harvest at the Willamette Falls.

Snoqualmie Implements a First of its Kind Land Protection Tax

The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe hopes to preserve the Snoqualmie Falls and other ancestral sites for future generations through a new 2% land protection tax. Leaders say it’s a model for other tribes working to reclaim their ancestral lands.

Beloved NAYA Leader Steps Down

During nearly seven years there, Lumley built the Native American Youth and Family Center into an economically powerful organization and more than doubled the affordable housing properties it runs.

Shake Up in Portland's Tribal Relations Office

Laura John’s mission was to make Indigenous voices heard at City Hall. On Monday, Miranda Mishan, who has worked with John for two years, took over the role.

Cully Farmers Market: NAYA Hosts a Destination for the Whole Community

The Cully Farmers Market, hosted by the Native American Youth and Family Center, runs every Thursday this summer, highlighting about a dozen Indigenous vendors.

Photo Essay: Celebrating Joy at NAYA’s Queer Prom

The Native American Youth and Family Center invited students from all over Portland to show up authentically at Queer Prom.

A Journey of Healing

The Native and Strong Lifeline provides mental health support to Native people in crisis across Washington state.

The Seed of an Idea

At a bootcamp aimed at cultivating leadership among Indigenous women, the goal is community and connection. Leaders hope more Native women will see themselves as candidates for public office.

Centering Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Justice

Two of the new environmental justice centers in the Pacific Northwest seek to amplify the voices of tribes and other communities particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. They will get part of a recent $177 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency shared between 17 groups.

Envisioning Indigenous Futures

Meagan Byrne wants to create a world where Indigenous gamers can envision a post-Colonial future.

Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut to Return Home After Decades of Captivity

The Dolphin Company and Friends of Lolita announced a formal agreement and promise to return the orca from Florida to her home waters in the Salish Sea.