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TAHLEQUAH, OK – In another step toward establishing a free and independent tribal newspaper, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO), Chad Smith, appointed Pat Reeder as the first member to the editorial board of the Cherokee Advocat. Reeder is presently the executive editor of the Claremore Daily Progress, where she has worked for more than 30 years.

"I was surprised that the Chief selected me,” said Reeder. "I am a very frank and up front person. During the campaign, I asked him some frank questions."

"That’s why I picked her", Chief Smith said. “Because she asked the tough questions. We need someone on the board with a strong reputation for integrity and the ethics of good journalism.”

CNO Council member Harold Demoss agrees with Reeder’s appointment.

"She’s a fine Cherokee lady", Demoss said. "I've known her for a long time. I have no reservations with her serving on the board."

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahomas Tribal Council will also select a board member to serve with Reeder. Reeder and the council’s appointee will select a third member, which will be subject to the approval of both the Chief and the council.

The three member editorial board will act as an oversight committee for the Cherokee Advocate, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s newspaper. The council and chief signed a free and independent press Act in July. The Act is designed to remove the possibility political pressure from the newspaper staff.

"In past administrations, it seemed like the paper was used as a house organ for the administration", said Reeder. "I loved the last issue of the Advocate because it didn’t have a picture of the chief on every page."

Reeder plans for the paper to be a watchdog for Cherokee citizens, especially in areas of finances. "The Advocate should be the eyes and ears of the Cherokee public. It should provide the same fair coverage to the Cherokee people as the Claremore Daily Progress does for its community."

Chief Smith said, "Having Reeder on our board adds credibility to our newspaper."