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The Cherokee Phoenix, the official newspaper of the Cherokee Nation, is opposing changes to the tribe's Freedom Of Information Act.

The paper's editorial board issued a statement that said the law should remain intact. Changes under consideration by the Cherokee Nation Council would make it harder for citizens to obtain information from tribal entities, including Cherokee Nation Businesses, the board said.

"The FOIA has worked well since 2001 and has helped ensure transparency of tribal operations for our individual citizens and the Phoenix, thereby enhancing government accountability. It represents the progressive nature of the nation and certainly is an enactment of which the nation’s government and tribal members should be proud," the statement read.

The council has formed a work group to consider changes to the law. In a video posted to YouTube, Chief Bill John Baker said he supports amendments to strengthen the law.

Get the Story:
Editorial Board releases statement on proposed FOIA changes (The Cherokee Phoenix 5/20)
Council work group discusses freedom of information amendments (The Cherokee Phoenix 5/15)