Troy Littledeer Named 2025 Tim Giago Free Press Award Recipient

Troy Littledeer Named 2025 Tim Giago Free Press Award Recipient

STILWELL, Okla. — The Indigenous Journalists Association has named Troy Littledeer (United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians) as the 2025 recipient of the Tim Giago Free Press Award, honoring his steadfast commitment to press freedom within his tribal community.

Littledeer, an Indigenous journalist and photographer with more than two decades of experience, was recognized for his efforts to maintain editorial independence while serving as media director for the United Keetoowah Band. His pushback against political censorship of the Giduwa Cherokee News came at significant personal cost, the IJA noted.

“The Special Awards Committee recognizes Littledeer’s unwavering dedication to freedom of the press and the public’s right to know, especially when that truth is challenged from within,” the IJA said in a statement.

Littledeer began his journalism career in 2003 covering local sports for the Stilwell Democrat Journal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he found a renewed purpose documenting tribal council members’ food distribution efforts on social media, using journalism to keep his community informed and hold leaders accountable.

His career includes contributions to NDNSports.com, public relations work for Cherokee Nation Communications, and multimedia production at the Cherokee Phoenix. Throughout, he has focused on elevating Native voices in tribal media spaces.

He and his wife, Novena, live in Stilwell with their two sons, Tobias and Sequoyah, whom Littledeer calls his daily inspiration “to stay grounded in culture, responsibility, and to uplift all of Indian Country.”

The Tim Giago Free Press Award honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to uphold freedom of information and transparency in Indigenous media. It was established following the 2022 passing of Giago, who founded the Native American Press Association in 1983, which later became the IJA. Giago spent his career championing truthful, accurate reporting in tribal communities.

Littledeer will be honored Aug. 15 during the 2025 Indigenous Media Awards Banquet, held as part of the Indigenous Media Conference Aug. 13–15 at Isleta Resort and Casino in New Mexico.

Image Courtesy and Original article: https://indigenousjournalists.org/