Bill Text: MS SC627 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend Phyliss J. Anderson as first female Tribal Chief of Choctaw Indians.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-28 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC627 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-SC627-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Ward, Burton, Butler (38th), Fillingane, Frazier, Parks, Simmons (12th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 627
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PHYLISS J. ANDERSON UPON HER HISTORIC ELECTION AS THE FIRST FEMALE TRIBAL CHIEF OF THE MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS AND THE FOURTH CHIEF SINCE THE ADOPTION OF THE MODERN TRIBAL CONSTITUTION.
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. The new Tribal Chief began her service as the fourth democratically elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians since the adoption of the modern Tribal Constitution in 1945. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians remains the only federally recognized American Indian Tribe living within the State of Mississippi, with Tribal enrollment at more than 9,500 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Chief Anderson is fluent in the Choctaw language, with more than 26 years of experience in Tribal Government Management. She 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 toward 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 multimillion dollar enterprises, including those in Tribal manufacturing, Tribal government contracting and the gaming and hospitality industry. Chief Anderson has served the following: 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; Tribal Council Committees - Children and Youth; Public Relations and Politics; Education; Recreation; Culture; Government Affairs; Lobbying; and Human Resources; and
WHEREAS, it is difficult to comprehend the significance of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians' successful economic development efforts and strong Tribal government without understanding the historical evolution that has brought the Tribe to where it is today. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the Choctaw people faced severe economic hardship, dire health challenges, dependence upon the federal government for even their basic needs, and little hope for their future. Beginning in 1945 and continuing now, through effective Tribal governmental leadership, good economic planning and diversification, and increasing self-reliance, the picture is much brighter for the Choctaw people. Because of the revitalization of Tribal communities, made possible by the Tribe's creation of jobs, educational opportunities, improved housing and health care, and an overall elevation of the Choctaw standard of living, the renaissance of Choctaw cultural arts has been assured. Its native culture and mother language, once standing on the threshold of extinction, has not only been rescued from loss, but has been reinvigorated and energized through successful efforts that will continue well into the future; and
WHEREAS, activities of the Tribe include operating a stable and complex Tribal government, the largest unified Indian K-12 school system in the United States, comprehensive Tribal Health Care Programs, Forestry, Agricultural and Natural Resource Programs, Tribal gaming, entertainment and resort operations, and the manufacture of wiring harness systems and audio speaker systems for Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Corporation, among others. The Tribe also hand-finishes greeting cards of all kinds for the American Greeting Corporation. High-tech industry located on the Reservation includes Choctaw Geo-Imaging Enterprise and joint projects with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These are just a few examples of the successful business enterprises in which the Tribe is involved; 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 with great pride that we recognize the new leader of the rich and vibrant culture of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, whose heritage and progressive economic developments are experiencing a current renaissance and contributing to the positive achievements of the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Phyliss J. Anderson upon her historic election as the first female Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and as the fourth Chief since the adoption of the Tribal Constitution in 1945, and extend to her and her family and to the Tribe our best wishes for continued success as she assumes this new leadership role.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, be forwarded to the Tribal Council and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
