A Wisconsin tribe's disagreement with a local newspaper is turning into a full-out battle over media censorship, freedom of speech and tribal rights.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa banned the sale of The Lakeland Times and canceled advertising after the paper published a story that quoted tribal members who questioned a casino deal. The ban only applied to tribal-owned outlets.

That prompted tribal members, including 12-year-old Betty Espinoza, to start selling the paper on their own. Espinoza set up shop in front of her home, which is owned by the tribal housing authority. Her family received a letter from the authority telling her to stop selling the paper.

Tribal leaders say they are justified in their action against The Times. They say the paper is basing stories on tribal members who have no credibility and isn't getting the tribal council's point of view.

But the Anishinaabeg O' Waaswaaganing Corp. says it is tribal leaders who lack credibility. They criticize the tribe for not keeping members informed about financial and other matters.

Get the Story:
AWC: Tribe to be $8 million short in 2006 (The Lakeland Times 7/22)
Fight for freedom of the press (The Lakeland Times 7/22)
Youth to keep selling newspapers on reservation (The Rhinelander Daily News 7/21)
Lac du Flambeau casino investment story sparks turmoil (AP 7/21)
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Relevant Links:
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians - http://www.lacduflambeautribe.com
Lakeland Times - http://www.lakelandtimes.com

Related Stories:
Lac du Flambeau Band bans sale of newspaper (07/15)