Phyliss J. Anderson was sworn in as the new chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians on Tuesday.

Anderson made history as the first woman elected to lead the tribe. She defeated one-term chief Beasley Denson not just once, but twice, and she stressed unity in her inaugural address.

"It was a tough and grueling campaign. But the elections are over. Let's put all our differences aside and work for the best interests of the tribe," said Anderson, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported.

Anderson has vowed to work on the tribe's finances. Right around election time, the FBI recently raided the tribe's casino, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the tribe's credit and PricewaterhouseCoopers left as the tribe's auditor.

"As chief of the people, I ask for your full support. Whether you voted for me or not, I need your prayers so that we can move forward in these uncertain times," said Anderson, WLBT-TV reported.

Get the Story:
New tribe chief pushes for unity (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 10/5)
New chief makes Choctaw history (WLBT 10/4)
Anderson Delivers Inaugural Address (WTOK 10/4)
First Woman Chief Inaugurated (WJTV 10/4)

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