Choctaws elect Anderson

Choctaws elect Anderson

Phyliss J. Anderson appeared Tuesday night to have succeeded in unseating Miko Beasley Denson and becoming the first female chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

It was the third election in as many months to choose who will lead the tribe of about 10,000 members spread through eight communities in Mississippi and one in Tennessee. The position pays $466,000 a year.

In her victory speech, Anderson remarked, “Today our tribal people spoke for a third and final time. It’s clear our people want new leadership. I thank everyone for their support and perseverance. It has been a long eight months, and I could not have done it without the support and encouragement of family, friends and supporters.”

Clarion Ledger
9/7/11