Tribal Journalists Fight for Free Press and Transparency in Indian Country

Lack of transparency laws leaves many tribal citizens in the dark about their governments

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:20am

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An abstract, fractured painting in shades of blue, green, and orange, with overlapping geometric shapes and lines representing a tribal government building, a tribal newspaper, and a microphone, conveying the concept of the fight for press freedom and transparency in Indian Country.Tribal journalists and citizens are fighting for FOIA laws, transparency, and Indigenous data sovereignty to hold their governments accountable.Tahlequah Today

While most tribal governments have been slow to enact laws that give citizens access to internal data and records, some tribes are taking steps to promote transparency and accountability through freedom-of-information codes. However, challenges remain as tribal journalists face censorship, intimidation, and a lack of protections when reporting on tribal affairs.

Why it matters

A free press is essential for democracy, as it reports on the government, creates transparency, and helps inform the citizenry. The majority of the 575 federally recognized tribes have not enacted transparency or freedom of information laws, leaving many tribal citizens without access to crucial government information and records.

The details

The Red Press Indigenous Journalists Association survey found that only 7% of tribal news producers said they definitely had access to tribal government records, while 16% said they definitely did not. Additionally, 14% of producers said they 'definitely yes' had access to budgetary information, while 14% said 'definitely not.' The survey also revealed trends of intimidation, censorship, and a requirement to get prior approval from tribal officials before publishing stories about tribal affairs.

  • In 2019, the Global Indigenous Data Alliance established CARE principles to support Native nations' role in data management.
  • In 2023, the documentary 'Bad Press' won the Sundance Film Festival's U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression, highlighting the fight for press freedom in the Muscogee Creek Nation.

The players

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and director of the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance.

Rebecca Landsberry-Baker

A Muscogee citizen and the executive director of the Indigenous Journalists Association.

Angel Ellis

Chair of the Indigenous Journalists Association ethics committee and the protagonist in the documentary 'Bad Press'.

Leander 'Russ' McDonald

President of United Tribes Technical College and a member of the International Advisory Council of the Native Nations Institute.

Chris Mercier

Vice chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

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What they’re saying

“Our law is unique and only citizens may submit requests, so when those go unanswered, it's the citizens who are being denied information about their tribal government. I think that's the next chapter in free press in Indian Country — how are these laws going to be challenged in our tribal courts, if at all?”

— Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, Executive director of the Indigenous Journalists Association

“FOIA is a great tool, but one component of its success is going to be a healthy court system. I'm hopeful now that we have access to the judicial process, the Muscogee Nation FOIA law will produce more transparency.”

— Angel Ellis, Chair of the Indigenous Journalists Association ethics committee

“In my own experience, that means that the decision to turn over records or information will come to the Tribal Council-elected leadership, and they will base their decision on usually two things: who makes the request, and whether releasing the record harms somebody they don't like, or helps somebody they do like. Both are bad reasons.”

— Chris Mercier, Vice chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.