Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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VERONA, NEW YORK - In response to TIME's December 16 cover story on American Indian casinos and gaming, Indian Country Today (ICT), the nation's most prominent American Indian newspaper and leading source on Native American policy analysis and perspective, spoke out in an editorial against the inaccurate reporting that runs throughout the national news magazine's current feature.

In the editorial section of its newest issue, ICT points out TIME's general lack of sensitivity and awareness surrounding the issue of American Indian gaming, as well as the absence of any fundamental knowledge concerning the Indian community's plight and progress over the past thirty years. Even more importantly, Indian Country Today's editorial addresses the damage TIME has caused hard-working, dedicated American Indians simply trying to build a life of hope and opportunity.

"The media, once again, has fallen all over itself to ridicule and misrepresent the new era of Indian economic recovery," said Tim Johnson, executive editor of Indian Country Today. "TIME's special investigation, 'Look Who's Cashing In At Indian Casinos,' offers readers an incomplete, skewed and unfair view of tribal reality, while also challenging the positive concept of recent hard-won tribal gains."

ICT's concerns regarding TIME's cover story continue with the complaint that journalists, Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele, did not extend an appropriate amount of time surveying a broad scope of individuals concerning the issues, resulting in an unclear and inaccurate portrayal of the situation.

"Sadly, TIME ignored many of the facts available to them about American Indians and as a result of their inaccuracy, they have reversed progress made by the American Indian community," continued Johnson. "Basically, TIME's fledgling Indian country journalists have failed to demonstrate an ability to truly understand the situation facing American Indian peoples."

Indian Country Today is the leading and most influential American Indian publication in the country today. The newspaper's roster of national columnists is without rival for its extensive collective knowledge and experience in assessing, analyzing and commenting on American Indian policy.

For further information, please contact Anne Burkhimer, 310-407-6568, aburkhimer@webershandwick.com, or Caroline Weilert, 310-407-6573, cweilert@webershandwick.com, both of Weber Shandwick, for Indian Country Today.