An incident between a Sawyer County deputy and a Native American reporter is shedding light on what may be a hidden struggle that main stream reporters don't have to face. Mike Simonson reports.

American Indian journalists say they have a tougher time covering what would be routine news for other reporters.

(from video shot August 7, 2008 by reporter Paul DeMain): "(Deputy) "Go!" (DeMain) "I said I was a member of the press." (deputy) "Point that in my face you're going to lose it. Keep walking. (DeMain) "I'm a member of the press." (deputy) "That's fine." (DeMain) "And people know that."

The scene is a late night two car crash on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. The victims were getting help according to Sheriff's reports. The editor of News From Indian Country Paul DeMain was shooting video with a palm-sized flip camera. Native American Journalists Association President Ron Washines says it should have been routine, but it wasn't.

"The so-called fair and equitable treatment for all journalists. When I say 'so-called' I mean being a Native American journalist doesn't carry as much weight I guess. And it frightens me in a way that I can't see why not."

"(deputy) And your name doesn't matter. Walk on the other side of the truck and stay put." (DeMain) "Alright."

The state Department of Justice says they haven't had reports of these kinds of problems. Sawyer County won't comment on it yet. And neighboring Ashland County Sheriff John Kovach, who wrote one of the first racial profiling guidelines for law enforcement, says his dealings with Native American reporters have been fine.

"We don't agree on every single issue but over the years I've had a very good repoire."

Still, DeMain says this incident in which his camera was shutoff and he was struck by the deputy's flashlight in the shoulder is not one that shows up in statistics.

"On a dark road on the reservation there's a guy standing there looking like an Indian which means he's nobody. He's not a reporter. He's not a blond with lipstick and a camera crew. He comes across the road and grabs the camera and during the struggle is where he hits me."

(deputy) "Don't move." (reporter) "Okay." (DeMain) "If you go beyond this tail light I will arrest you." (DeMain) "Fine." (deputy) "You understand that?" (DeMain) "You told it to me several times." (deputy) "Comprehend it please."

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