So far, my lawsuit against the tribe has been scheduled for Oct. 18 and 19. For those who aren't familiar with my situation, I was fired as editor of the Cherokee One Feather in 2007, shortly after Michell Hicks took office for his second term as principal chief. During the election that year, I reported on a break in at the tribal election board office after the primary in which Hicks took first place. Ballot boxes were broken into and items retrieved. I also reported that during the general election 60 voters in Wolfetown were disenfranchised. The difference between Hicks and his challenger Patrick Lambert was less than 60 votes. There also was a slight lead for Council Rep. Susan Toineeta over candidate Dwayne Jackson.
Hicks on the day of his second inauguration issued an order to abolish the popular "Rants and Raves" column. One month later, using a politically motivated interpretation of the tribal personnel policy, I was removed as editor of the One Feather.
The liars that they are, Hicks and his lapdogs are claiming I resigned, and his attorneys are focusing on whether it was appropriate for me to state certain opinions in other publications while using my title. Funny thing is, none of this seemed to apply to Lynne Harlan, the tribe's PR coordinator, who also writes for the same publication.
I look forward to the truth coming out and my side being heard.
