The front page of the May 21, 1828, edition of The Cherokee Phoenix. Image from The Cherokee Phoenix via Wikipedia

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is making sure the tribal newspaper reaches as many people as possible.

Starting this month, all citizens with updated addresses on file will receive a one-year subscription to The Cherokee Phoenix. The tribe is picking up the cost of the $10 annual subscription.

“Cherokees are spread all across the globe, and each of them deserves direct and open communication," Chief Bill John Baker said in a press release. "This new initiative allows our tribal citizens to better stay abreast of news and opportunities within our government, and get the unbiased perspective the Cherokee Phoenix provides.”

The Cherokee Phoenix was first published in 1828, according to Wikipedia, prior to the removal of the tribe from its homelands. It stopped running in 1834 after the federal government failed to make a treaty payment that the tribe was relying on for its budget.

The paper was eventually revived after the tribe was forced to walk to the Trail of Tears to present-day Oklahoma.

Get the Story:
Cherokees offering citizens free year of tribal newspaper (AP 8/12)