During the summer of 2000, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council enacted landmark legislation that still resonates in Indian Country: the Independent Press Act. The Act called for a tribally funded newspaper “independent from any undue influence and free of any particular political interest.” Since that time, the Cherokee Phoenix has grown into one of the preeminent tribal news organizations in the world. We invite our supporters and all Cherokee citizens to join us in commemorating this significant success.

The celebration will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 in front of the Supreme Court Museum at 122 E. Keetoowah St., in Tahlequah.

Featured speakers include:



Invocation by Gerald Wofford, Editorial Board member



Emcee John Shurr, Editorial Board chair



Pat Ragsdale, Government Resources group leader



Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation principal chief



Dan Agent, Editorial Board member and former Editor of the Cherokee Phoenix



Ronnie Washines, Native American Journalists Association former president



Bryan Pollard, Executive Editor of the Cherokee Phoenix