Gary Batton, right, is sworn in as chief of the Choctaw Nation. Photo from Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a new leader.

Gary Batton, the former assistant chief, was sworn in as chief on Monday. He succeeds Greg Pyle, who led the tribe for 17 years.

“This is such an honoring and humbling experience for me to be up here and to serve as your Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,” Batton said during his inaugural address. “I want to tell the Council, the judges, Chief Pyle, and everyone how much I appreciate you all. One of the things I stand for is unity. As long as we stand together united, there is nothing that will hold us back.”

The Choctaw Nation is the third largest tribe in the U.S.

Get the Story:
Gary Batton named Choctaw chief (The Durant Democrat 4/29)
Gary Batton Sworn In As New Choctaw Nation Chief (News on 6 4/29)
New Chief Sworn In For Choctaw Nation Of Oklahoma (AP 4/29)

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Choctaw Nation Chief Greg Pyle set to retire after 17 years (4/22)