Indian Country Today sold to New York tribe Story-Date: 09:37 a.m. PST Friday , December 4, 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------ Indian Country Today sold to New York tribe SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Indian Country Today, one of the only American Indian newspapers financed independently of a tribe, has been sold to a wealthy New York state tribe that owns a thriving casino. The sale of the weekly paper was announced Thursday by publisher Tim Giago. The purchase price was not disclosed. Giago, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, started the newspaper as the Lakota Times in 1981. It was sold at all reservations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Montana. The paper changed its name in 1992, and later opened bureaus in New Mexico and Washington state, to reflect its intent to serve a national tribal readership. Ray Halbritter, chief executive officer of the Oneida Indian Nation, which purchased the newspaper, said the paper's editorial goals will include addressing the mass media's stereotypes of American Indians. He said he hopes it will be a voice for all American Indians. His tribe operates the Turning Stone Casino, a resort near Syracuse, N.Y., popular not just for its gambling but for its many retail shops, restaurants and 285-room luxury hotel. He said the tribe has set up an independent corporation to run the paper. "It is important to keep tribal politics out of it," Halbritter said. "It is our goal to maintain it as an objective, credible newspaper. If it's not perceived as objective and credible, it cannot succeed." However, Linda Kenney, communications professor at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D., said the newspaper may lose its unique voice. "Tim has had the luxury of scolding people and talking his mind and saying whatever he wants," she said. "I don't think that could happen under a tribally run paper." Giago said he would remain with the paper for six months and as a consultant for three years. He said the tribe plans to keep the South Dakota office but may move the main operation to New York state next year. The tribe also plans to reopen its news bureau in Washington and hire more employees, he said. ------------------------------------------------------------