"The election of Phyliss J. Anderson as chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is a historic step for the tribe, but also a crucial decision on leadership.

Anderson defeated Miko Beasley Denson, who had served as miko (the Choctaw word for chief) since 2007. She prevailed through three elections. She fell a few votes short of a clear majority in the first and had appeared to win the runoff. That election was thrown out by the Tribal Council with Denson voting to break a tie.

Anderson is the first female chief of the tribe, which includes about 10,000 members in eight Mississippi communities and one in Tennessee.

She faces tremendous challenges, including ongoing questions about the tribe's finances in the operation of its casinos in Philadelphia."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Choctaws: Strong leadership needed (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 9/10)

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