Phyliss J. Anderson, the newly elected leader of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, wants to be known as "chief."

Anderson defeated incumbent Beasley Denson for the post. Denson was known as "miko," the Choctaw word for chief, but Anderson is fine with the English word.

"July 5 was our independence day," Anderson told The Jackson Clarion Ledger. "This was the Choctaw tribe's independence day."

Anderson hopes to provide more transparency in government and increase tribal gaming revenues.

Get the Story:
Tribe's first female chief seeks unity (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 7/7)
Chief-Elect Speaks Following Win (WTOK 7/6)
Anderson pulls upset for Chief (The Neshoba Democrat 7/6)

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