UKB firing of tribal media director following censorship of Giduwa Cherokee News is another blow to Indigenous free press
A month after censoring an opinion editorial for the Giduwa Cherokee News, on April 25, United Keetoowah Band officials terminated the employment of media director Troy Littledeer through a tribal resolution restructuring of the media department. This move effectively works outside of the scope of press freedom, infringing on citizens’ right to a transparent government.
Littledeer’s employment was terminated within 24 hours of the May 2025 GCN prepress review by tribal officials. This edition contained a story critical of government transparency and allegations of financial mismanagement under a chilling effect of censorship.
Littledeer is a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band and a lifetime IJA member. In an April 24 Facebook post, he detailed the censorship he faced from the UKB tribal administration.
“We don’t defend free speech and constitutional protections just for the people we agree with. We defend them for everyone… Sovereignty isn’t a slogan—it’s our sacred right to govern ourselves by law, not by power. We strengthen that sovereignty every time we speak up, stand firm, and protect each other’s rights—even when it’s hard,” he said.
This action came just ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Article 16 states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to establish their own media in their own languages and have access to all forms of non-Indigenous media without discrimination. It also encourages global media to ensure freedom of expression without prejudice.
The recently released UNESCO Indigenous Peoples and the Media report underscores the critical role of independent Indigenous media in accessing news and information tailored to Indigenous audiences.
The report states, “At the core of this is the right to freedom of expression, which allows Indigenous Peoples not only to share their experiences, perspectives and aspirations on their own terms, but also to contribute to mutual understanding.”
The IJA Free Press Committee recognizes the deep personal commitment Littledeer has made in service to transparency and justice and continues to work toward increasing the number of independent Indigenous outlets. IJA and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press will continue to document the actions of the UKB Council and call for officials to allow citizens to receive, and impart information without government interference.
Littledeer is seeking separate counsel and considering legal action.
To support free press at the UKB, citizens can contact tribal officials at: https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/tribalofficials
About the Indigenous Journalists Association
The Indigenous Journalists Association’s mission is centered on the idea that accurate and contextual reporting about Indigenous people and communities is necessary to overcome biases and stereotypes portrayed in popular and mainstream media. Expanding access to accurate news and information is essential to an informed citizenry and healthy democracy, across tribal, local, state and national levels.
For more than 40 years, Indigenous journalists across the United States and Canada have worked to support and sustain IJA. Originally formed as the Native American Press Association in 1983, the organization has grown from just a handful of reporters to a membership of nearly 700, which includes Indigenous journalists, associates, educators and partners.
