"I first met Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin at the opening of the Silver Star Casino and he was not a man of many words. His actions always spoke for him and the Mississippi Band of Choctaws as they produced many tangible results that benefited his people during his many years as leader of the Choctaws. Many people outside the Choctaw Band were not aware of his enduring belief and work that resulted in a real difference in the lives of the of those around him. Others, however, knew him as the leader who took his dreams and founded the very successful Pearl River Resort and that he was more than a casino executive.

With his recent passing at the age of 83, it is worth noting his travails, and the path he traveled, that made the Choctaws a subject of admiration around the country. For over 45 years he was a major influence in the affairs of his people and as the elected chief his tenure was marked by amazing progress.

When he became Chief in 1979, unemployment was rampant, not to mention discrimination, sub par housing, medical coverage, educational opportunities and more. He was a major force in changing all that and today's tribe of over 10,000 members enjoy totally improved conditions brought about by Chief Martin. A visionary and trailblazer he oversaw the building of the Tribes' welfare with jobs and work in automotive and electronics manufacturing from a small industrial park on the reservation. When the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act came into being in 1988, there were already 3,000 jobs in effect and a solid base for moving into the gaming business."

Get the Story:
Heard it on the River by Rudi Schiffer: Remembering Chief Martin (Casino City Times 3/3)