The UKB Press Freedom Dispute
By Staff Reports | April 25, 2025
In a statement issued March 24, the Indigenous Journalists Association urged UKB leadership to restore editorial independence to the Giduwa Cherokee News.
The IJA’s statement cited the removal of a Feb. 25 opinion column written by UKB Media Director Troy Littledeer, titled “The Federal Government’s Trust Responsibility to Native American Tribes.” The column was taken down two days after publication at the direction of tribal officials.
Littledeer was subsequently disciplined. According to internal documents, the cited reason was “abuse of authority.” The IJA further reported that tribal officials revoked Littledeer’s administrative access to all UKB digital platforms and shifted communications oversight to the administrative branch. Under a new internal directive, all news content now requires approval from Tribal Administrator Jennifer Cole-Robinson prior to publication.
Littledeer has appealed the disciplinary action through the tribe’s Human Resources Department.
“This wasn’t just censorship of a column — it was a seizure of the entire platform,” Littledeer said.
The IJA cited both the UKB Constitution and recognized journalism ethics standards in its statement. A recent IJA membership survey identified editorial interference and insufficient financial support as the leading pressures facing tribal media operations.
The organization’s formal recommendations to UKB leadership include restoring editorial control to the media department, establishing a tribal member-led editorial board composed of individuals holding no elected or administrative positions, and adopting written policies ensuring press independence from political oversight.
“Independent Indigenous media are essential for transparency, accountability, and the cultural health of tribal communities,” the IJA stated. “Ensuring space for diverse viewpoints and uncensored reporting strengthens — not weakens — sovereign governance.”
The UKB Tribal Council had not issued a public response to either the IJA statement or the disciplinary action against Littledeer as of press time.