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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2003

Forty years ago, unemployment among members of Mississippi's Choctaw Tribe was 80 percent. Nearly 90 percent of tribal homes reported income of less than $3,000. And few had a college education.

Thanks to gaming and economic development, all that is in the past. Unemployment is down to just 4 percent, the median household income is $25,000 and the tribe pays for college scholarships.

The tribe estimates its economic impact on the state was $1.2 billion last year. Its businesses employ more than 8,000 and its assets are valued at $1.4 billion.

Get the Story:
Choctaws: From poverty to prosperity in 40 years (AP 6/26)

Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaws - http://www.choctaw.org

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