Opinion: Mississippi Choctaws at historic juncture

Monday, June 25, 2007  

"As the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians approaches what promises to be a historic election of its chief, it brings to mind the history of the Choctaw generally regarded as the greatest of his tribe - Pushmataha.

By 1800, his skill as a warrior and a negotiator had made him an almost mythic figure among Choctaws and Americans alike. He earned the friendship of Gen. Andrew Jackson when he led the Choctaws against the Creek Indians in Alabama after the Fort Mims massacre in 1813.

Is it accurate to mention current Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin's name with those of Pushmataha and former Chief Emmett York, linked by over a century of incredible struggle and unimaginable progress? Without a doubt, yes.

Can Martin's current challenger Beasley Denson rise to that level? Obviously many Choctaws believe he can. Choctaw voters will decide on July 3 in the runoff election.

But Mississippi Choctaws have survived only through stubborn persistence and strong leadership. Those who believe the Choctaw to be led by a ceremonial figure should learn the stories of Pushmataha, York and Martin - chiefs who pushed toward "self-determination" while pushing back against the federal government."

Get the Story:
Sid Salter: Choctaws at historic juncture as runoff near (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 6/24)

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

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