House Resolution 54

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENT OF CHIEF PHYLISS J. ANDERSON UPON HER ELECTION AS THE FIRST FEMALE TRIBAL CHIEF OF THE MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS.

WHEREAS, Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, a native of the Red Water community, was officially sworn in as the first female chief in Choctaw history during an inauguration ceremony on October 4, 2011; and

WHEREAS, fluent in the Choctaw language, Chief Anderson, with more than 26 years of experience in tribal government management, has been committed to building financial stability within her tribe and has devoted her tenure as chief to operating an accountable, responsible and transparent government, and to enriching quality of life on the reservation; and

WHEREAS, while serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the tribe, Chief Anderson played a vital role in steering the tribe towards achieving success in their accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Chief Anderson has succeeded in her political endeavors by drawing on her diverse skills acquired while serving on numerous governing boards and committees for multi-million dollar enterprises, including those in tribal manufacturing, tribal government contracting and the gaming and hospitality industry; and

WHEREAS, with a commitment to service, Chief Anderson has exemplified dedication to a host of exceptional organizations, including: Tribal Tax Commissioner, Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise, Chahta Enterprise, Choctaw Development Enterprise, First American Printing and Direct Mail Enterprise, Choctaw Shopping Center Enterprise, Leake County Development Association, Leake County Foundation, Mississippi United Methodist Conference, United Methodist Church - Choctaw Mission, John Memorial United Methodist Church as the Finance Chair, Choctaw Business Loans Review Committee, Tribal Government Services 401k Fiduciary Committee and the Youth, Public Relations and Politics, Education, Recreation, Culture, Government Affairs, Lobbying and Human Resources Tribal Council Committees.

WHEREAS, there is no doubt that the election of Chief Anderson as the first female Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians was a monumental occasion for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and her capacity as chief adds her to a multitude of very powerful and influential women chiefs of nations; and

WHEREAS, Chief Anderson has been supported in her political endeavors by her loving and devoted husband, Ricky Anderson, Sr., three children, four stepchildren and four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend loyalty to heritage and tradition when evidenced by the citizens of this state, such as Chief Anderson, whose dedication to her tribe and community have brought great honor to herself, her family, the Choctaw nation and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the new Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Chief Anderson, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.