VOL. L, NO. 5 , 39350 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

Tribe Receives DOJ Grant to Assist Victims of Domestic, Sexual Violence U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst of the 1 in 6 men experience some form of Southern District of Mississippi & sexual violence during their lifetimes. William C. “Chad” Lamar of the Intimate partner violence, sexual vi- Northern District of Mississippi an- olence, & stalking are high, with in- nounced on September 17 the Jus- timate partner violence occurring in tice Department’s Office on Violence over 10 million people each year. Against Women (OVW) will direct “These grants will help victims es- over $6 million in grant funding to cape abuse, seek justice, & rebuild Mississippi to bolster efforts through- their lives,” said OVW Principal Dep- Class of 2019-2020 Graduates out the state to curb domestic violence. uty Director Laura Rogers. Choctaw Adult Education hosted graduation cer- U.S. Attorney Hurst also announced OVW’s current & forthcoming in- emonies on Thursday, September 17 at the Gold- a new initiative entitled “Operation vestments in Mississippi foster coor- en Moon Hotel & Casino VIP Room in Choctaw. Pheonecia,” in honor of a local victim dinated responses to violence against Members of the Class of 2019-2020 included of domestic violence, Pheonecia Rat- women, making resources available Jose Barojas, Krystilynn Davis, Chanzcellor liff of , Miss. to local & tribal communities for in- Parkerson, Zane Thompson, Deyonkia Willis, & According to the Centers for Dis- vestigation & prosecution, transitional Satchell Willis. Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben served as ease Control & Prevention, 1 in 4 housing, & culturally specific victim guest speaker as he congratulated the graduates women & 1 in 7 men will experience services, & training for professionals on their achievements. Pictured above, from left physical violence by their intimate who respond to these crimes. to right, is Chanzcellor Parkerson, Zane Thomp- son, Tribal Chief Ben, & Deyonkia Willis. partner at some point during their life- times. About 1 in 3 women & nearly see DOJ GRANT, pg. 6

recorded for broadcast on the Tribe Holds Nanih Waiya Celebration Tribe’s YouTube channel the The annual celebration com- COVID-19 safety precautions Ceremonial Mound site in following day. memorating the return of the on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Winston County for a ceremo- “Although this year has Nanih Waiya Mound and Cave Tribal officials, personnel ny minus the additional activ- been a difficult one with the sites back into the posses- and area pastors - all adhering ities of previous celebrations, COVID-19 pandemic threat- sion of the Mississippi Band to safety protocols and wearing such as social dancing or a tra- ening our communities, I am of Choctaw Indians was held face masks - gathered on the ditional meal at the conclusion for a limited audience due to grounds of the Nanih Waiya of the event. The ceremony was see CEREMONY, pg. 8

Community Flags at Nanih Waiya Ceremony Sr. (Conehatta), U.S. Army SPC Cynthia Massey (U.S. flag bear- The highlight of the Nanih Waiya ceremony was the presentation er), Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben (MBCI flag bearer), reigning Choctaw of Tribal community flags. Tribal Council members in attendance Indian Princess Elisah Jimmie, Chris Eaves (Crystal Ridge), Nigel served as flag bearers for their respective community. Pictured, from Gibson (Pearl River), Barry McMillan (Pearl River), & Loriann left to right, are Kendall Wallace (Bogue Chitto), Richard Sockey Ahshapanek (Standing Pine). (Standing Pine), Michael Briscoe (Bogue Homa), Timothy Thomas, PAGE 2 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

Proposed Flying at Tribal HQ Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, member of the Mississippi Flag Commis- Halito! to protect ourselves from the sion, presented the proposed state flag of Mississippi during a Tribal Although we have had to virus. Council meeting on Oct. 13. The “New Flag” or “In God navigate much of this year with Remember to wear a mask, We Trust” flag was chosen by the commission from over a thousand the COVID-19 virus at our social distance six feet apart, design submissions & will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for doorsteps, I am thankful that wash or sanitize hands fre- voters of Mississippi to decide on whether to accept or reject the new we, as a Tribe, have taken the quently, stay home unless you flag design. The Tribe’s historical & cultural legacy is represented threat seriously and worked need to take care of essential in the flag design by a gold formed by diamonds. The diamond design is culturally significant to the Tribe. The flag was hoisted up diligently together to help de- business, clean and sanitize fre- the flagpole by Chief Ben in front of Choctaw Tribal Headquarters. crease our number of positive quently-touched surfaces and cases. After six months of pre- items often, cover your coughs cautionary measures, many of and sneezes with a napkin or quired to wear facial coverings able for the time being due to us are ready for an immediate your elbow, and stay home if (masks) while in public places our continued effort to create a return to normalcy. However, you are sick. on Tribal lands. safe environment for our guests we must continue to be vigi- As we head into the cool fall The other is Executive Order and associates, our Pearl River lant and do what is necessary months, there is a high possi- 2020-08, which outlines safety Resort is open again. We are bility of a second wave of in- measures and restrictions on extremely grateful for the large fections coming. If we stand to- certain activities on Tribal lands amount of positive respons- CHOCTAW gether and do our part, we have until we can further reduce the es from our guests who have COMMUNITY a chance to keep our numbers number of active cases. These enjoyed visiting our Resort low. two orders may be extended, throughout the years. Creating NEWS Currently, there are two Ex- modified or withdrawn at a lat- and maintaining this safe envi- The Choctaw Community News ecutive Orders in place. One er date, depending on the out- ronment for our guests and as- is available at no charge upon request. Donations to help cover is Executive Order 2020-06, come of active positive cases. sociates is our biggest priority, the cost of printing, mailing which says that all persons two Although there may be some and we have many safety mea- are welcomed. Correspondence years of age or older are re- amenities that are still unavail- sures in place to offer the best should be addressed to: COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM P.O. BOX 6010 CHOCTAW, MS 39350 Mittan Retires From TELEPHONE: 601-663-7736 Court Services FAX: 601-650-1565 Choctaw Tribal Courts hosted Brian C. Willis, a retirement reception for Court Communications Manager Services Director Dan Mittan Melford Farve, on Sept. 4 at the Smith John Jus- Communications Writer Darron Tubby, tice Center in Choctaw. He has Communications Photographer been with the Tribal Courts for Diana Solomon, 25 years & gained the respect Communications Photographer of his co-workers, community Deon Denson, members & leaders. Mittan was admired for his PICTURED LEFT, Kevin Briscoe, Chief Jus- Communications Photographer dedication to help others get back on track with tice of the Choctaw Tribal Supreme Court, (left) Items of interest to the local & their lives, never condemning others for their mis- presented a plaque to Mittan for his exceptional Native American community are welcomed. Letters to the editor fortunes & encouraging community members to do contributions of dedicated & outstanding service should be signed; we reserve the better. Mittan was usually the first person at work to the Choctaw Tribal Court System. RIGHT, Mit- right to edit material. & last one to leave. He will be greatly missed & the tan was presented a beautiful Choctaw basket by Court Staff wish him well in his future endeavors. Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 3 protection we can for everyone. To help decrease the chance Tribal Delegation Visits UMMC of the spread of the virus, the Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, Choctaw Health Cen- opening of our tribal schools ter (CHC) Interim Director Mary Harrison, & was delayed to August 31. To Dr. Kerry Scott of CHC participated in a guid- achieve this, our school admin- ed tour of the University of Mississippi Medi- cal Center (UMMC) in Jackson on Aug. 25. istration created alternate and Officials discussed collaborative opportunities virtual schedules for our stu- for UMMC & MBCI to provide the very best dents. healthcare services for all Tribal members. The Despite the challenges during MBCI delegation expressed their appreciation this unforeseen time, our stu- to UMMC officials Dr. LouAnn Woodward, tion, School of Medicine; & Ms. Kristy Simms, dents, teachers, administrators Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean of Director of External Affairs. Pictured above, and support staff have done an the School of Medicine; Dr. Jonathan Wilson, from left to right, are Dr. Kerry Scott of CHC, excellent job adjusting to the Chief Administrative Officer; Dr. Loretta Jack- Dr. LouAnn Woodward of UMMC, Tribal Chief new situations and schedules. son-Williams, Vice Dean for Medical Educa- Ben, & CHC Interim Director Mary Harrison. I cannot acknowledge them enough for their hard work and dedication during these trying who helped us to commemo- state. Murder Victims. However, the times. rate the return of our Mother The commencement ceremo- staff was able to put together We have had some isolated Mound, pastors who prayed for ny for the Adult Basic Educa- a brief video to acknowledge positive cases within the Tribal our people and organizers on a tion (ABE) Class of 2020 was those Tribal members taken too school system, but our safety job well done. held on Thursday, September soon due to acts of violence. measures and quick responses It was a great honor to be ap- 17, 2020, with six graduates We grieve with all family have helped limit the transmis- pointed to the Mississippi Flag honored that evening. It takes a members and offer our thoughts sion. Commission by Governor Tate great amount of determination and prayers to them. May God Our Mighty Warriors have Reeves. I enjoyed viewing the and sacrifice for an individual comfort each and every bro- had a tough football season, but many flag designs that were to earn their GED. Congratula- ken heart and give them the I’m proud of their efforts, and submitted, especially from our tions to these graduates and we strength to face each and every I encourage you to be safe and very own Tribal members. wish each of them the best as day moving forward. support our boys when they It was a hard decision, but I they continue moving forward. Regardless of the challenges have the opportunity to play. am proud of the design that was I encourage any tribal mem- COVID has placed upon our While we were not able to ultimately chosen. This flag de- ber without their high school Tribal government and busi- gather everyone together for sign will be on the voting ballot diploma or GED to take advan- nesses, we are working hard our annual Nanih Waiya Cer- on November 3, 2020, so be tage of this program that is de- to make sure the Tribe is ready emony at the Mother Mound, sure to cast your vote. signed to assist you in an effort when it is safe to return to full we did have the opportunity to The native people of our to attain this certification. operations. Thank you to our hold a small, but moving honor state are represented in the Due to concerns over Tribal and Resort employees, and prayer ceremony. The vid- flag design by the gold star. I COVID, the Department of who have gone above and be- eo did air on Choctaw 5 News commend flag commission for Family and Community Ser- yond the call of duty during on the actual Nanih Waiya Day making the effort to honor and vices was not able to hold an this time, to keep things going holiday the following day. recognize our history and con- in-person program for the Na- and ensure the continuance of Thank you to the participants tinued active presence in the tional Day of Remembrance for services for our people where it is possible. I encourage everyone to re- main patient and understanding as we face this unprecedent- ed time together. Let us keep a watchful eye on each other, help each other where we can, and keep each other in prayer.

Chi Yakokilih! Chief Ben Presents Diplomas to GED Graduates Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben presented diplomas to Zane Thompson (center photo) & Deyonkia Willis graduates of Choctaw Adult Education’s Class of (right photo). Not pictured were graduates Jose 2019-2020 ceremony on Sept. 17. Receiving their Barojas, Krystilynn Davis, & Satchell Willis. Cyrus Ben, Tribal Chief diplomas were Chanzcellor Parkerson (left photo), PAGE 4 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

Notice From the Tribal Distribution Office DISTRIBUTION WILL or stopped. BE DECEMBER 2, 2020 The following ordinances & Millan, W. McMillan, H. Nick- *Checks will be mailed out DIRECT DEPOSIT resolutions were submitted to ey, R. Sockey, T. Thomas, Sr., & on Monday, November 30, * Keep in mind if your the Choctaw Tribal Council for K. Wallace); 1 NO (T. Ander- 2020. It is very, very check was captured for any- consideration. Listed is a brief son); 0 ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT important that you update thing from the previous dis- summary & action taken. (R. Henry, Sr., R Isaac, & D. your address. tribution, you will have to Wilson). submit a new application to SPECIAL CALL SUMMARY: The Ordinance IMPORTANT do Direct Deposit again. MEETING, establishes Title XXXV of the DEADLINE DATES TO * Only the individual/in- SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Choctaw Tribal Code, Business REMEMBER!! dividuals listed as account Organizations for the purpose Tribal Court (Child Sup- holder should do Direct De- ORDINANCE NO. 16 to provide statutory framework port) - Oct. 16, 2020, at 4:30 posit. -CCCCC, establishing Title for establishing Limited Liabil- p.m. * If your child/children is XXXV of the Choctaw Tribal ity Companies under the sover- Direct Deposit & Other not listed as account holder Code, Business Organizations, eign authority of the Tribe. For Changes Listed Below - Nov. on your account, please do was ENACTED - 13 YES more information, please con- 2, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. not list them. (L. Ahshapanek, R. Bell, M. tact the Office of the Attorney * Do not use someone Briscoe, C. Eaves, N. Gibson, General. * OVER 18 YEARS OLD else’s account to setup Direct S. Johnson, D. Martin, B. Mc- RESOLUTION CHO 20- - (Photo I.D. with birthdate). Deposit. 105, approving Fiscal Year * CUSTODY CHANGE * It is very important 2021 Operating & Capital Bud- - (COURT ORDER) Parents that you let our office know gets for the Choctaw Ordinance need to fill out Changes to whenever you close your 56 Tribal Enterprises, was AD- Tribal Distribution form & account. OPTED - 13 YES (L. Ahshap- the W-4V tax forms if you anek, T. Anderson, R. Bell, M. wish to stop taxes from being NEW ENROLLEES For those who would Briscoe, C. Eaves, N. Gibson, taken out once your child/ Contact the Enrollment like to swap the S. Johnson, D. Martin, W. Mc- children is released back to Office at 601-656-5251, ext. distribution check to a Millan, H. Nickey, R. Sockey, you. 1542. purchase order, please T. Thomas, Sr., & K. Wallace); * NAME CHANGE - call 601-650-1728 or 1 NO (B. McMillan); 0 AB- (Marriage License/Divorce UNCLAIMED CHECKS 601-650-1741 & be STAIN; 3 ABSENT (R. Henry, papers with new name on Tribal Distribution Office prepared to provide the Sr., R. Isaac, & D. Wilson). your Social Security card.) will only hold your check following information: SUMMARY: The Reso- List your dependants as well. for 6 months. If you have not • Correct mailing lution approves Fiscal Year * ADDRESS CHANG- received your check, please address; 2021 Operating & Capital ES - It is very important that contact Barbara Ben at 601- • Social Security Budgets for the Choctaw Or- you do an address change 650-1522. The check will be number; dinance 56 Tribal Enterprises with our office anytime you returned to the General Rev- • Contact number; in the following amounts: (1) move. If you did a forward- enue Fund after 6 months if • Which vendor you Choctaw Resort Development ing address with your local not claimed. would like your Enterprise-Operating Budget post office, you still need to The Tribal Distribution purchase order of $185,738,476 & Capital submit an address change Office is located on the up- issued to. Budget of $22,200,000; (2) with our office. Forward- per level of the Tribal Office Chahta Enterprise-Operat- ing time has an expiration. building in the Finance De- Purchase Orders will be ing Budget of $1,986,237 & Anytime you do an address partment. Forms are avail- mailed Nov. 30, 2020. Capital Budget of $35,000; & change for yourself, always able in the lobby or in the DEADLINE TO SUBMIT (3) Choctaw Shopping Center include all your dependants. Finance office. You can also YOUR INFORMATION Enterprise-Operating Budget * TAX (W-4V) - It needs visit www.choctaw.org. WILL BE OCT. 30, 2020 of $1,217,075 & Capital Bud- to be filled out by the - indi For more information, get of $369,889. For more in- viduals for themselves and/ contact Barbara Ben, Distri- formation, please contact the or their dependants if they bution Manager, at 601-650- wish to have taxes taken out 1522. continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 5

Office of Finance & Account- 25 years subject to the Tribe’s R. Isaac, & D. Wilson). as any future development on ing. HEARTH Act Leasing Regula- SUMMARY: The Resolu- Tribal lands. For more infor- RESOLUTION CHO 20- tions. For more information, tion approves a Distribution of mation, please contact the Of- 106(B), approving a Service please contact the Real Estate Tribal Funds in the amount of fice of Construction Manage- Line Agreement in favor of C Program. $600.00 scheduled on Decem- ment. Spire in the Bogue Homa Com- RESOLUTION CHO 20- ber 2, 2020. For more informa- RESOLUTION CHO 20- munity, was ADOPTED - 14 109, authorizing a Limited tion, please contact the Office 113(B), purchasing a home in YES (L. Ahshapanek, T. An- Waiver of Sovereign Immu- of Tribal Distribution. the Crystal Ridge Community, derson, R. Bell, M. Briscoe, C nity as to a Grant Agreement RESOLUTION CHO 20- was ADOPTED - 11 YES; 3 Eaves, N. Gibson, S. Johnson, Between the Mississippi Band 111, approving Fiscal Year 2021 NO; 0 ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT. D. Martin, B. McMillan, W. Mc- of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) Budgets for Tribal Administra- SUMMARY: The Resolu- Millan, H. Nickey, R. Sockey, T. & W.K. Kellogg Foundation, tion, Programs, Agencies & tion approves the purchase of Thomas, Sr., & K. Wallace); 0 was ADOPTED - 10 YES Operations, was TABLED - 8 a home in the Crystal Ridge NO; 0 ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT (L. Ahshapanek, R. Bell, M. YES (T. Anderson, M. Briscoe, Community not to exceed (R. Henry, Sr., R. Isaac, & D. Briscoe, C. Eaves, N. Gib- N. Gibson, S. Johnson, D. Mar- $27,000. The Tribal Council Wilson). son, S. Johnson, D. Martin, H. tin, B. McMillan, W. McMillan, authorizes the Tribal Chief & SUMMARY: Telepak Net- Nickey, R. Sockey, & T. Thom- & T. Thomas, Sr.); 6 NO (L. Secretary-Treasurer to termi- works, Inc. d/b/a C Spire Fiber as, Sr.); 4 NO (T. Anderson, B. Ahshapanek, R. Bell, R. Henry, nate the land lease upon acqui- propose to provide telecommu- McMillan, W. McMillan, & K. Sr., H. Nickey, R. Sockey, & K. sition of the house by the Tribe nication services to Bok Homa Wallace); 0 ABSTAIN; 3 AB- Wallace); 0 ABSTAIN; 3 AB- & reimbursement will be pro- Casino. For more information, SENT (R. Henry, Sr., R. Isaac, SENT (C. Eaves, R. Isaac, & vided on a pro-rata basis for please contact the Real Estate & D. Wilson). D. Wilson). the pre-paid lease fees for the Program. SUMMARY: The WKKF is SUMMARY: The Resolu- remainder of the lease period. RESOLUTION CHO 20- offering grant funding in an tion to approve fiscal year 2021 For more information, please 107(B), approving a Right-of- amount up to $450,000 to sup- budgets for Tribal Administra- contact the Realty Program. Way in favor of Central Elec- port the activities of Choctaw tion, Programs, Agencies & RESOLUTION CHO 20- tric Power Association in the Fresh Produce related to con- Operations is tabled for further 114, an amended Resolution Pearl River Community, was tinuing efforts to build a com- review. For more information, to authorize a Limited Waiver ADOPTED - 14 YES; 0 NO: 0 munity that is food-secure with please contact the Office of Fi- of Sovereign Immunity as to a ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT. equitable access to fresh & nance and Accounting. grant agreement between the SUMMARY: Central Elec- healthy foods while building a RESOLUTION CHO 20- Mississippi Band of Choctaw tric Power Association submit- pipeline of future food-systems 112, approving Mode of Deliv- Indians (MBCI) & W.K. Kel- ted a right-of-way application workers in response to & after ery Agreement with the United logg Foundation (WKKF), was for a power line servicing the COVID-19. The WKKF finds it States Postal Service (USPS), ADOPTED- 11 YES; 3 NO; 0 house site of Terrence Kinsolv- necessary for the Tribe to grant was ADOPTED - 11 YES (L. ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT. ing & Tonya Kinsolving on a limited waiver of sovereign Ahshapanek, T. Anderson, R. SUMMARY: The WKKF is County Road 604 in the Pearl immunity to allow WKKF to Bell, N. Gibson, R. Henry, Sr., offering grant funding in an River Community. For more enforce the performance of the D. Martin, B. McMillan, W. amount up to $450,000 to sup- information, please contact the grant agreement. For more in- McMillan, R. Sockey, T. Thom- port the activities of Choctaw Real Estate Program. formation, please contact the as, Sr., & K. Wallace); 3 NO Fresh Produce related to con- RESOLUTION CHO 20- Office of Economic Develop- (M. Briscoe, S. Johnson, & H. tinuing efforts to build a com- 108(B), confirming expiration ment. Nickey); 0 ABSTAIN; 3 AB- munity that is food-secure with of residential leases & to ap- SENT (C. Eaves, R. Isaac, & equitable access to fresh & prove leases of former resi- SPECIAL CALL D. Wilson). healthy foods while building a dential lease sites to Choctaw MEETING, SUMMARY: The USPS pipeline of future food-systems Housing Authority, was AD- SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 published new Mode of De- workers in response to & after OPTED - 14 YES; 0 NO; 0 livery rules in the Post Office COVID-19. The WKKF finds it ABSTAIN; 3 ABSENT. RESOLUTION CHO 20- Manual including rules regard- necessary for the Tribe to grant SUMMARY: The Resolu- 110, authorizing a Distribution ing the use of USPS approved a limited waiver of the sover- tion confirms the expiration of of Tribal Funds, was ADOPT- mailbox equipment & the use eign immunity to allow WKKF 9 residential leases in the Pearl ED - 11 YES (L. Ahshapanek, of cluster boxes. The agreement to enforce performance of the River Community. The Tribal T. Anderson, R. Bell, N. Gib- between the Tribe & USPS grant agreement. For more in- Council authorizes the Tribal son, R. Henry, Sr., D. Martin, complies with the National formation, please contact the Chief & the Secretary-Treasur- B. McMillan, W. McMillan, R. Delivery Planning Standards Office of Economic Develop- er to negotiate & sign mutually Sockey, T. Thomas, Sr., & K. for Builders & Developers & ment. agreeable leases with Choctaw Wallace); 3 NO (M. Briscoe, S. resolves outstanding issues re- RESOLUTION CHO 20- Housing Authority for 9 vacant Johnson, & H. Nickey); 0 AB- lated to the mode of delivery in sites identified for a term of STAIN; 3 ABSENT (C. Eaves, the Tucker Community, as well see RESOLUTIONS, pg. 9 PAGE 6 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS Pearl River Resort Awards Life Changing Jackpot While 2020 has been ize that it was as much as multiplier symbols. Also, fea- getting a bad reputation, it was. It still doesn’t seem turing iconic design elements one central Mississippi- real,” said Dominique R. from the popular game show, an will always remember “My husband was with me including the Wheel of For- this as a fantastic year. & he was so excited & was tune wheel, this engaging slot Dominique R. of Kos- jumping up & down. He machine provides players with ciusko, MS (pictured told me I just don’t know excitement & chances to win a right) was playing the how life changing this is huge jackpot. Wheel of Fortune slot for us.” Pearl River Resort is continu- machine at Golden Moon Wheel of Fortune is an ally providing guests with new, Casino in Choctaw when exciting 3-reel, wide area exciting slot machines. For she won a huge jackpot progressive slot machine more information on Pearl Riv- worth $1,235,666.25! with a single pay line. er Resort, call 1-866-447-3275 When her slot machine winner couldn’t believe it. It features signature slot or visit www.pearlriverresort. sounded, the lucky jackpot “When I won, I didn’t real- symbols such as sevens, bars & com

DOJ GRANT ...... continued from page one

“These grants & Operation $2,271,297 in formula funds $500,000 to provide training a higher risk of domestic vi- Pheonecia will go a long way to support law enforcement, & technical assistance to col- olence-related homicide, so in making our homes, our fam- prosecutors, victim services leges & universities throughout equipping justice & victim ser- ilies & our communities safer,” providers, & courts in working the nation to address violence vices professionals with tools said U.S. Attorney Hurst. “By collaboratively to respond to against women on campus. for responding to stalking can bringing together law enforce- domestic & sexual violence. • Care Lodge Domestic Vio- help them reach victims before ment, victim advocates, our • The Mississippi Band lence Shelter, Inc., in Meridian, it is too late. courts, attorneys, & the general of Choctaw Indians is re- is receiving a grant of $550,000 public, we can effectively fight ceiving four awards, total- to provide transitional housing “OPERATION domestic violence & get vic- ing $2,149,722, to: fund a for domestic violence victims. PHEONECIA” tims the help they so desperate- cross-deputized tribal prosecu- • Our House, Inc., in Green- Named in honor of Pheone- ly need.” tor to pursue cases involving ville, is receiving $288,300 to cia Ratliff, who lost her life on “There are far too many Mis- domestic violence, sexual as- provide services tailored to the May 14, 2020, due to domestic sissippians & Americans who sault, & other serious crimes needs of Black survivors of violence, “Operation Pheone- fall victim to domestic violence in tribal court, federal court, or sexual assault in rural areas. cia” is a new initiative by the at the hands of an intimate part- both; bolster coordinated com- Mississippi’s grant recipi- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the ner, family member or parent. munity responses to violence ents will also have access to Southern District of Mississip- For many of these victims, against women; strengthen the training & technical assistance pi to directly combat domestic home is a place for fear & pain tribal criminal justice system in to help them implement effec- violence with the intent to pre- rather than a refuge or safe preparation for exercising spe- tive strategies for keeping vic- vent harm & loss of life before place. Our office is committed cial domestic violence criminal tims safe & holding offenders they occur. to working alongside state & jurisdiction under the Violence accountable. One example is The presence of a gun in a local partners to combat this Against Women Act; & provide OVW’s Stalking Prevention, domestic violence situation in- problem & these grants will sig- services specifically for sexual Awareness, & Resource Cen- creases the risk of homicide by nificantly aid in ongoing efforts assault victims. ter, a project of the Washing- 500%, & with intimate partner to combat domestic violence • The Mississippi Coalition ton, DC-based Aequitas: The violence accounting for 15% of across our state & nation,” said Against Sexual Assault is re- Prosecutor’s Resource on Vio- all violent crime & with almost U.S. Attorney Lamar. ceiving $152,345, & the Mis- lence Against Women, which is 20% of domestic violence inci- sissippi Coalition Against Do- receiving $1.5 million this year dents involving a weapon, the GRANT AWARDS mestic Violence is receiving to continue providing training U.S. Attorney’s Office knew it Among the more than $6 $91,274, to coordinate victim & other resources to law en- had to act. million in awards that will be services & training, & collabo- forcement, prosecutors, & vic- Under this initiative, & by issued to organizations & gov- rate with federal, state, & local tim services providers to com- working with federal, state ernment agencies in Mississip- entities across the state. bat stalking. & local law enforcement & pi are: • The Mississippi Coalition Stalking is a crime that of- nonprofit entities, the U.S. • The Mississippi State De- Against Sexual Assault is also ten occurs alongside domestic partment of Health will receive being awarded an additional violence & is associated with continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 7 Choctaw Fresh Produce Assists Tribal Members During COVID-19 Choctaw Fresh Produce developed a plan to provide al members who stepped up to serve the commu- free food to those people quar- wanted to partic- nity during the COVID-19 pan- antining in their homes. ipate,” said To- demic by delivering over 4,000 The organization worked mika Bell, Local pounds of organic produce to with the Tribal administration, Food Coordina- Tribal members who were in which purchased the produce at tor. quarantine. a reduced price, & with Choc- “It was excit- From May through July, the taw Public Health which de- ing to see parents certified organic farm, which livered the boxes to homes in bring their chil- typically sells its produce pri- the community. Choctaw Fresh dren to the farms Local Food Coordinator Tomika Bell harvests marily to the Pearl River Re- Produce harvested the vegeta- & let them expe- tomatoes from the high tunnels at Choctaw sort, instead provided food bles & boxed them for delivery. rience the work- Fresh Produce. free-of-charge to Tribal mem- In addition to providing over ings of an organ- bers sheltering at home. 400 boxes of produce for peo- ic farm. We only allowed five GAP certified, which is a- fur “We normally sell our pro- ple in the community, Choctaw people in at a time, & masks ther certification that allows duce to the resort for use in its Fresh Produce also opened the were required in order to keep the produce to be sold to enti- various restaurants as well as farm on four separate days for everyone safe.” ties such as schools & grocery the employee dining room,” “U-Pick Harvesting,” during Choctaw Fresh Produce was stores. said Daphne Snow, Farm Man- which Tribal members were developed in 2012 with the in- Snow says that stringent ager. “When the resort closed allowed to bring containers to tention of providing jobs for standards have to be followed in March, we were faced with the farms & pick the vegetables Tribal members & making the in order to keep the certified or- the question of what to do with themselves. Tribe more self-sufficient. To- ganic label. our vegetables as we began Fresh vegetables included day, it encompasses farms in “It’s a challenge, but it’s a harvesting from the high tun- tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, four Choctaw communities - good challenge,” she says. “We nels where we grow our food.” zucchini, bell peppers, hot pep- Pearl River, Tucker, Conehatta, are able to offer our members As the coronavirus began to pers, snap beans, lima beans, & & Bogue Chitto. food that is healthier & certain- spread quickly throughout the tomato berries. Each one is a certified -or ly fresher than conventional Tribe, Choctaw Fresh Produce “The U-Pick Harvests were ganic farm by the USDA. As a produce they would buy in the a chance for us to clear out the certified organic farm, they use grocery store. Our average time vegetables from our tunnels at no synthetic chemicals or fertil- from harvest to table is less the end of the season, & also izer on any of their produce. In than three days.” Attorney’s Office is making provide free food for any Trib- addition, the farms are USDA the investigation & prosecution of federal domestic violence crimes a priority. In addition, “Operation Tribe Receives Grant to Assist Completion Pheonecia” will involve a cam- paign to put domestic abusers of Broadband Coverage on notice of their prohibition to The Mississippi Band of Economic Development. Rural Tribal Window. possessing firearms, train law Choctaw Indians was award- “The COVID-19 pandemic • Finalize review of the enforcement on how to investi- ed a $15,000 grant from First has reinforced the importance Network Diagram for the ex- gate federal domestic violence Nations Development Insti- of quality Internet connec- isting fiber-optic network. crimes, provide education for tute as part of the Building tivity, especially regarding • Complete review of local judges as to the impact of Digital Technology Capacity education & emergency pre- OTDR testing for existing fi- their orders on potential federal in Native American Commu- paredness. We are completely ber-optic infrastructure. criminal prosecutions, & bring nities Project. focused on this issue over the • Gather & submit GIS map awareness to local bar associa- “This grant allows us to next year.” data to FCC for trust lands in tions & the public on how to re- take a major step forward in The grant will be used to Lauderdale County, Tennes- port domestic violence crimes our efforts to provide com- meet the following specific see, which is Tribal land cov- to & work with federal author- plete broadband services on objectives: ered by the MBCI. ities, with the overarching goal all Tribal lands,” says John • Apply for all available 2.5 to reduce domestic violence, Hendrix, MBCI Director of GHz spectrum through the save lives & assist victims. PAGE 8 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

Warning Sirens Installed in Bogue Homa Community Nearly six months after an made it a priority to get warn- EF-3 tornado tore through ing sirens in the Bogue Homa the small Tribal communi- community,” said Tribal Chief ty of Bogue Homa in Jones Cyrus Ben. “We made sure County, two warning sirens there was money set aside spe- have been installed. cifically for this project. These On June 10, 2020, the final sirens are long overdue, and I six-directional warning siren am glad we were able to pur- was placed in the center of chase these for our people.” the Bogue Homa community Since 2009, warning sirens $53,000, were purchased using through CentrAlert Control so all residents can hear the have been installed in seven Tribal Revenue allocated in the and will automatically be warning signals. The second, Tribal communities as part of FY 2020 budget. triggered when the National a three-directional siren, was the Tribe’s Remote Commu- The two Whelen sirens are Weather Service issues a tor- placed on the property of the nity Alert System Program, voice speakers as well as warn- nado warning in the area. Bok Homa Casino. except for Bogue Homa. The ing sirens. Activation of the si- “When I came into office I sirens, costing approximately rens will be remotely handled

CEREMONY ...... continued from page one grateful we have the opportu- Tribe and people,” said reign- courageous journey from pov- embrace what they have done nity today to responsibly gather ing Choctaw Indian Princess erty and near-extinction to suc- for us. We will continue for- to observe the special connec- Elisah Jimmie. cess and serving as a leader in ward and what we do today, we tion we have with our Nanih Princess Jimmie, who served local, state and national affairs. do as government, spiritual and Waiya Mound and also offer as emcee, added we should “Even as we have succesful- community leaders.” prayers and blessings for our reflect upon the Tribe’s long, ly made our way forward in the Chief Ben added modern world, we still embrace should be acknowledged as our rich, cultural heritage. I am strong people of the past, the proud and I’m sure you all are present and the future. proud to be a member of the “As we continue on with Mississippi Band of Choctaw this celebration of the Nanih Indians. What a great honor it Waiya Mound and land, let us is.” also bind together in faith and With the whole world strug- in prayer for our people, our gling during the past few neighbors, our community, and months of 2020 due to the this world that we will over- COVID-19 pandemic, Tribal come the adversity that we face Chief Cyrus Ben said we all today.” have endured tremendous ad- Choctaws have revered versity with challenging times Nanih Waiya (translated as still ahead. “leaning hill”) for centuries as “The rich blood that runs their mother mound and is con- through each and everyone of sidered the heart of the Choc- our veins enables us to stand taw people. In the late 18th strong, be together and go century, the darkest chapter through whatever adversity of Choctaw history occurred we face,” said Chief Ben. “We as the Choctaw gradually lost face storms and passings in our their ancestral homeland be- lives that we all reflect back on. tween 1786-1830 as nine trea- ABOVE, Tribal dignitaries bow their heads for a moment of silence None of us were here to endure ties were signed with the Unit- while facing the Nanih Waiya Mound. BELOW, from left to right, what our ancestors faced, but ed States. are Tribal drummers, ceremony emcee & reigning Choctaw Indian we can feel their spirit here on Princess Elisah Jimmie, & Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. this land and we continue to continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 9

RESOLUTIONS ...... continued from page five 115, approving Principal Finan- fees that will be charged by funds to the Deferred Compen- Isaac, S. Johnson, T. Thomas, cial Services as Recordkeeper, MullinTBG. Tribal Elected Of- sation program without em- Sr., & D. Wilson). Administrative Services Pro- ficials are not participating in ployer contributions. For more SUMMARY: The Resolution vider & Trustee for Programs the Deferred Compensation information, please contact the approves fiscal year 2021 bud- of the MBCI, was ADOPTED program & there have been no Office of Finance & Account- gets for Tribal Administration, - 11 YES; 3 NO; 0 ABSTAIN; government funded deposits ing. Programs, Agencies & Oper- 3 ABSENT. into the Deferred Compensa- ations. For more information, SUMMARY: Resolu- tion program since 2009 & the SPECIAL CALL please contact the Office of Fi- tion CHO 14-068 approved FY 2021 Tribal Government MEETING, nance & Accounting. MullinTBG as recordkeeper budget has no provision for the SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 & administrative services pro- Deferred Compensation pro- Signed resolutions are avail- vider for financial services. gram for Tribal Elected Offi- RESOLUTION CHO 20- able at www.choctaw.org. To MullinTBG notified the Tribe cials. The only Deferred Com- 116, approving Fiscal Year request a copy of the attach- that a significant increase in pensation program currently 2021 Budgets for Tribal Admin- ment, please fill out a request fees will be instituted. Principal active is for non-elected Trib- istration, Programs, Agencies for a Resolution/Ordinance Financial Services submitted a al employees who voluntarily & Operations, was ADOPTED attachment form and submit it lower rate than the increased contribute their own salary - 10 YES (L. Ahshapanek, R. to the Policy & Legislative Of- Bell, M. Briscoe, C. Eaves, N. fice at krystina.thompson@ Gibson, R. Henry, Sr., D. Mar- choctaw.org. Requests for at- tin, H. Nickey, R. Sockey, & K. The final treaty, the Treaty of The second Friday in August tachments to Tribal Enrollment Wallace) (T. Anderson, Dancing Rabbit Creek of 1830, was proclaimed by Tribal lead- ; 3 NO Resolutions will not be honored B. McMillan, W. McMillan) forced the Choctaw to give up ership as Nanih Waiya Day, a ; due to confidentiality rules. (R. the remainder of their lands, Tribal holiday. 0 ABSTAIN; 4 ABSENT which included Nanih Waiya. A ceremony featuring a roll The majority of Choctaws were call of flags representing all removed to Oklahoma and the Tribal communities, including small minority that remained in Henning, Tenn., and the Unit- Mississippi lived in isolation. ed States, was held at the base The Mississippi Choctaw be- of the mound as Tribal Coun- gan their slow rise back from cil members in attendance and near extinction to the next cen- Tribal personnel posted the tury. In 1945, Choctaws voted colors. Chief Ben presented to adopt a constitution and the the MBCI flag as Tribal chant- Mississippi Band of Choctaw er Bruce Jim provided a vocal Indians was established. performance. Over the next few decades, Harold “Doc” Comby of the in keeping with the doctrine of MBCI Department of Public Choctaw Self-Determination, Safety offered a blessing for the Tribe became a leader in the Nanih Waiya Mound as lo- ‘Honoring the Choctaw Spirit’ Receives economic development in east cal pastors led the audience in Donation On Sept. 1, 2020, Choctaw Health Center central Mississippi and is cur- a moment of silent prayer as (CHC) staff members joined Merchants Food Service Sales rently one of the largest private a troupe of Tribal drummers Manager Kenny McLain as they donated 15 cases of individual employers in the state. played in the distance. Pastor fruit cups to local COVID-19 community response volunteer Coming full circle to Nanih Charles Doby Henry offered a group, Honoring the Choctaw Spirit. Group member Marsha Waiya, Senate Bill 2732 autho- prayer to conclude the event. Berry accepted the donation & shared that any person or fam- rized the Mississippi Depart- This year’s All-Star Stickball ily in need of donated food items may message them on Hon- ment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Games, a staple of the Nanih oring the Choctaw Spirit’s Facebook page. Great appreciation to Merchants Food Service for the donation & Honoring the Parks in April 2007 to transfer Waiya Day celebration which Choctaw Spirit volunteers for aiding area Choctaw Tribal the mound back to the Tribe. pitted the best players from the Communities & families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pic- In August 2008, the deed was World Series Stickball men’s tured above, from left to right, are Casey Willis, CHC Managed given to the Tribe and a proc- and women’s divisions, was Care Director; Natalie Byram, CHC Director of Nutrition & lamation was signed that year canceled due to the cancella- Dietary; Kenny McLain; Marsha Berry; Dr. Kerry Scott, CHC celebrating the mound’s return tion of the Choctaw Indian Fair Interim Chief Medical Officer; Millicent Wallace, CHC Direc- and declaring that Nanih Waiya this past July, which features tor of Nursing; & Lindsey Gibson, CHC Community/Patient would never be sold, traded or the annual World Series Stick- Relations Specialist. negotiated with ever again. ball tournament. PAGE 10 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

documentation needs such as Public Notice: Activities of Exposure Risk Return to School/Work state- ments, you may contact a nurse By the Choctaw Public can include family dinners, notify those you may have been practitioner or physician at the Health Services birthday parties, get-togethers, around recently so that they can CHC Telehealth Clinic at 601- etc. These activities, although be aware of the situation. 389-4313 or 4315. Since the beginning of Octo- we may think are harmless, can Those who have been ex- If you have questions about ber 2020, Choctaw Health Cen- actually be an opportunity for posed, are recommended to COVID-19, you may contact ter and Public Health Services putting ourselves and others at self-quarantine and monitor for the Public Health Services Ho- (PHS) has noticed a significant risk for being exposed to the symptoms for the 14-day time tline at 601-389-4109 or 4118 increase in positive COVID-19 virus. period. Symptoms can appear Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to cases on our Tribal lands. Our By becoming exposed, we 2–14 days after an exposure, 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 PHS Contact Tracers have been increase the risk of spreading and generally can start around a.m. – 1:00 p.m. working diligently to identify this virus to our loved ones. the 5th–8th day after exposure. It is critical that we continue and notify close contacts who Should you become exposed or If symptoms develop any to be vigilant in following the may have come in contact with when you or a household mem- time during your 14 days of CDC’s recommendations of: positive cases. ber becomes ill with symp- quarantine, follow up at CHC • Wearing cloth face cover- With the contact tracing, so- toms of COVID-19 or tests Drive-Thru Testing Tent (near ings (masks) over our nose and cial gatherings have been iden- for COVID-19, stay home and the CHC ER) for testing Sunday mouth, if you will be with or tified as the most common ac- contact your employer or your through Saturday from 8:00 am around other people. tivity for exposure to a positive child’s school by phone to noti- until 6:00 pm. Those who have • Practice social distancing case of COVID-19. Gatherings fy them of your situation. Also been exposed will be contacted of 6 feet or greater from oth- by a CHC Contact Tracer who ers avoiding close contact, es- will provide a check on the in- pecially of those not of your dividual, provide education and household. will assist with questions. • Washing your hands often Should an individual require further recommendations or continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 11 with soap and water for at least testing immediately and should Choctaw Health Center and 20 seconds or use hand san- remain home until you get your Public Health Services sincere- itizer (60% alcohol based or test results. Contact your medi- ly appreciates everyone’s un- more). cal provider for further instruc- derstanding and patience as we • If you or anyone in your tions or if symptoms worsen. continue to work together to home are experiencing symp- • For any emergencies, CALL persevere through the issues of toms of coughing, sore throat, 911. COVID-19 and the impact on congestion or runny nose, fe- By following these actions, our tribal communities. ver, chills, body aches, fatigue, we can protect ourselves, as Again, as a reminder, the headache, shortness of breath well as our families, neigh- CHC Drive-Thru Testing Tent or difficulty breathing, nausea, bors & visitors during this time is open for testing 7 days a vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of while the virus continues to cir- week from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 taste & smell, you may have culate within our Tribal com- p.m. COVID 19, you should seek munities.

tal Illness Awareness Week nia, eating disorders & addic- Behavioral Health Highlights (MIAW), advocates have tive behaviors. worked together to sponsor ac- Many people have mental Awareness Month tivities, large or small, to edu- health concerns from time to cate the public about mental ill- time. But a mental health con- By the Choctaw Behavioral What is Mental Illness ness. Mental Illness Awareness cern becomes a mental illness Health Department Awareness? Week runs from October 4-10 when ongoing signs & symp- Each October, the Substance & coincides with additional re- toms cause frequent stress & MENTAL ILLNESS Abuse & Mental Health Ser- lated events: affect your ability to function. AWARENESS MONTH vices Administration (SAM- • Tuesday Oct. 6: National A mental illness can make HSA) asks the nation to ob- Day of Prayer for Mental Ill- you miserable & can cause As the leaves start to fall & serve Mental Illness Awareness ness Recovery & Understand- problems in your daily life, the air starts to chill, we find Week. During the first week ing; school, work, & relationships. ourselves still in the midst of of October, participants across • Thursday Oct. 8: National In most cases, symptoms can be a Pandemic. We ask ourselves, the country raise awareness of Depression Screening Day; managed with a combination of “when will we be able to stop mental illness & each year the • Saturday Oct. 10: World medications & talk therapy. wearing mask”, “when will movement grows stronger. Mental Health Day; we be able to hug each other Mental health conditions • Saturday Oct. 10: National Who Does It Affect? again”, “when will we be able are important to discuss Day of Hope. More than 450 million peo- to gather with friends & fami- year-round, but highlighting ple around the world live with ly”, & get back to normal ev- them during Mental Illness What is Mental Illness? mental illnesses. However, eryday living? The answer is, Awareness Week provides Mental illness, also called mental illness affects everyone we don’t know! a dedicated time for mental mental health disorders, re- directly or indirectly through The uncertainty, isolation, & health advocates across the fers to a wide range of mental family, friends or cowork- loneliness can be a major trig- country to come together as health conditions — disorders ers. Despite mental illnesses’ ger for mental distress. Your one unified voice. that affect your mood, thinking reach & prevalence, stigma Behavioral Health Prevention Since 1990, when Congress & behavior. Examples of men- & misunderstanding are also, Team recognizes how vital it is officially established the first tal illness include depression, to provide continued education full week of October as Men- anxiety disorders, schizophre- see AWARENESS, pg. 14 for our communities about the importance of mental illness, fighting the stigma & providing support. Therefore, for the month of October, we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Month. Our goal is to increase the understanding of mental ill- ness, provide resources & stress the importance of maintaining not only our physical health but our mental health as well. PAGE 12 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 13 PAGE 14 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

AWARENESS ...... continued from page eleven unfortunately, widespread. Alaska Native. Where To Find Help? things out of the norm. Don’t There’s also a lack of under- -20% of White adults. Your treatment depends on ignore them! They could be a standing surrounding people -17% of Latino adults. the type of mental illness you call for help. Research shows experiencing mental illness & -16% of African American have, its severity & what works that before a suicide attempt, mental health is a huge part of adults. best for you. In many cases the person told someone, or overall health & should be a -15% of Asian adults. a combination of treatments showed some signs of suicid- priority for everyone, wheth- • Annual prevalence among works best. al ideation. Suicide prevention er you have a mental health U.S. adults, by condition: If you have a mild mental never ends! condition or not. There is no - Anxiety Disorders: 19.1% illness with well-controlled health without mental health. (estimated 48 million people). symptoms, treatment from your Who Does It Affect? - Major Depressive Episode: primary care provider may be Each year in the U.S., more Fast Facts 7.2% (17.7 million people). sufficient. However, often a than 41,000 individuals die by • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experi- - Post-traumatic Stress Dis- team approach is appropriate to suicide. Although suicide oc- ence mental illness each year. order: 3.6% (estimated 9 mil- make sure all your psychiatric, curs in all segments of society, • 1 in 25 U.S. adults expe- lion people). medical & social needs are met. three groups are particularly rience serious mental illness - Bipolar Disorder: 2.8% (es- This is especially important for vulnerable: at risk youth, veter- each year. timated 7 million people). severe mental illnesses. ans, & the elderly. • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 - Borderline Personality Dis- Recovery, including mean- Often, individuals in these experience a mental health dis- order: 1.4% (estimated 3.5 mil- ingful roles in social life, categories struggle with a vari- order each year. lion people). school & work, is possible, ety of conditions, such as; poor • Mental illness affects: - Obsessive Compulsive Dis- especially when you start treat- mental health, behavioral dis- -37% of LGBT adults. order: 1.2% (estimated 3 mil- ment early & play a strong role orders, homelessness, & sub- -27% Mixed/Multiracial lion people). in your own recovery process. stance use disorders, making adults. - Schizophrenia: <1% (esti- We all have mental health chal- them even more susceptible. It -22% of American Indian or mated 1.5 million people). lenges & if you are struggling can appear to be an endless cy- right now, know that “you are cle of despair. not alone.” If you or someone you know Where Can I Get Help? needs help or additional infor- Choctaw Health Center Pre- mation, please contact Your vention Teams are dedicated to Behavioral Health Prevention end this cycle of despair & have Team at 601-389-4150. created guidelines, Tribal pro- grams, & strategies designed to “NEVER LEAVE A help at-risk youth, veterans & WARRIOR BEHIND” the elderly. Choctaw Native Connections “Never Leave a Warrior Be- Project (CNCP), Methamphet- hind” is an ongoing effort that amine & Suicide Prevention should be practiced every day Initiative (MSPI) & Choctaw of the year. We all know some- Youth Resiliency Initiative one who has lost their battle to (CYRI) have teamed togeth- suicide or families who have er to provide these supports & suffered from this great pain. services: The topic is an emotional one • Individual assessments; for many, but we must turn this • Intervention services; emotion into discussion. It is • Evidence based prevention the responsibility of all of us & educational curriculums & to carry the load for those we activities; have lost & use their memory • Information & referrals; as motivation to help others at • Crisis intervention; risk & suffering. • Follow-up support. During this pandemic, we Our focus is on three main should be more aware of the strategies: vulnerability of our families Strategy 1: Promote & friends. Watch for signs that signal distress, depression or continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 15

Emotional Health • Offer activities & programs whose schools remain open, that promote purpose & en- Willis Awarded Grant for they may purchase safety courage social connections. equipment, such as disin- • Provide activities that inte- STEM Learning at Tucker fecting supplies, plexiglass grate mental & physical health. & other required supplies to Strategy 2: Recognize & MBCI Tribal planned & effective keep students & staff safe Respond to Suicide Risk member Ashland pathways to access throughout the year; • Understand the warning “Coby” Willis (pic- STEM mentors & re- • Tech Kits for Educators signs. tured right), Tucker search opportunities, will ensure that all Advo- • Recognize & Respond to Elementary School despite an inability for cates have the standardized Depression. science teacher, was many schools to re- ability to attend a first-class • Recognize & Respond to recently named a re- main open in person,” Training Institute, year- Medication & Alcohol misuse. cipient of a $5,000 grant to said Maya Ajmera, President & round training & sustainable • Increase access to care. offer quality STEM learning CEO of the Society for Science student cohort calls; Strategy 3: Respond to a & instruction for her class- & the Public & Publisher of • Internet Access – Advo- Suicide Attempt or Death es in the face of COVID-19 Science News. cates will have a choice of • Develop post intervention shutdowns. “While research labs & fa- using their funding for hot for responding to a suicide at- Willis, of Tucker Com- cilities may be closed, the So- spots or some form of In- tempt or death. munity, was among 66 lead- ciety’s Advocate Program will ternet access, depending on Departments & organizations ing STEM educators from help ensure that students who student needs in & outside from all communities have middle & high schools, as are traditionally underserved the classroom. come together to help prevent well as universities, mu- in STEM have mentors year- To date, more than 2,000 suicide by addressing all as- seums & nonprofits across round who will work with them students have participated pects of health for individuals. the country, to be named to & push them to stay on top of in the Advocate Program, of Because of the many different the Society for Science & their STEM education, conduct which, 1,498 students have emotional, physical, & social the Public’s Advocate Grant research at home & have the successfully competed in at factors that contribute to sui- Program for 2020-2021. opportunity to enter science re- least one science research cide, having a full picture of an Advocates were chosen search competitions.” competition. Since the pro- individual’s health makes all for their profound commit- The Advocate Grant Program gram’s 2015 launch, students the difference. ment to students of different - funded by Arconic Founda- of Advocates are responsible For additional information, races & ethnicities in STEM tion, Jack Kent Cooke Foun- for over 4,000 unique com- contact Your Behavioral Health & students from low-income dation & Regeneron - awarded petition entries, with many Prevention Team at 601-389- households. In its sixth year, each Advocate a $3,000 sti- students entering more than 4150, as well as The Suicide even amid a deadly pandem- pend, with an additional $2,000 one competition each year. Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273- ic, the program sustains the to support students who are Ninety percent of those stu- Talk. momentum to work with & conducting research at home dents are from low-income inspire the next generation or in the classroom in order to households & 70 percent are “NEVER LEAVE A of our nation’s scientists & meet the exceptional demands of a race or ethnicity under- WARRIOR BEHIND.” engineers. & overcome the limitations of represented in STEM. Have a voice, save a life. Willis teaches science in this unusual school year. Advocates will also par- grades 4-8. She attended Advocates chose to use their ticipate in a virtual Advocate Tucker Elementary & grad- grant towards the following op- Training Institute where they uated from Choctaw Central tions: will learn best practices for High School in 2010. She • Research Lab Kits – Advo- supporting students in enter- attained her A.A. degree at cates will choose from several ing STEM research compe- Meridian Community Col- kits for their students to use at titions & discuss strategies lege & began her career as a home or in the classroom, giv- specific to COVID-19, meet teacher’s assistant at Tuck- ing students the autonomy to & learn from each other & er in 2012. She earned her focus on their unique research obtain training from Society bachelor’s degree at Missis- interests (e.g. chemistry kits, staff. During the remainder sippi State University-Me- Arduino kits, Neuron Spiker- of the public health emer- ridian in May 2019 & began box Bundles, water sampling gency & the rest of their teaching science. & weather experiment kits & one-year terms, the Society “At this unprecedented more); (Promoted by the MBCI-Methamphetamine will provide Advocates with & Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI), time, it is essential we adapt • Safety Equipment for continued support via virtual Grant #BH16IHS0075-05-00 / Choctaw swiftly & give students Classrooms – For teachers meetings & conference calls. Behavioral Health - Reference: National Suicide Prevention LifeLine.) PAGE 16 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS Warriors Roll in 2020 Season On a hot, mid-August day, es & I had two weeks to get the sound of helmets clashing young men in shape for football can be heard on the field of practice because of the COVID Warrior Stadium at Choctaw pandemic,” said Posey. “We Central High School. A shrill put more emphases on getting whistle followed by commands in shape, staying in the weight by coaches disperses the War- room then coming out & doing riors. They form into two lines conditioning & football drills. & ready themselves for the next We didn’t have spring training The Warriors had a late start in practicing for the season due to COVID safety protocols. Pepper Posey (far right) is in his third year play as Head Coach Pepper so that put us back. All other as Warriors’ head coach. Posey searches for any imper- public schools started in the fections in set-up or execution. summer months, but the safety Jimmie & Lester Jackson. separated into different groups The Warriors are preparing of our players is the main thing. With 28 years of coaching & must rotate between each for the 2020 season. While oth- We are just trying to get them experience, Posey’s first stint portion of practice. Some are er schools have been preparing in shape to play football.” with the Warriors was as an in the weight room while oth- for the season over the summer, This season, there are 47 assistant from 1995-2002. ers are on the field. Every sur- the players were allowed on the players - 14 seniors, 13 juniors, In 2018, he returned as head face is sprayed, disinfected, campus in early August. For a 17 sophomores, & 3 freshmen. coach to improve the Warriors & wiped down before & after month, the Warriors have been Serving as assistant coaches football program after winless each group leaves their desig- in the weight room & running are Anthony Thames, Edward seasons in 2016 & 2017. nated area. Coaches do their drills & plays. Routh, & Todd York. Two new “I was hired in 2018, two best to keep the team as spaced “This is the first time in my additions to the coaching staff days before practice started. as possible, even when they coaching career that the coach- this season include Kanyon We broke a two-and-a-half have to come in close contact. year losing streak with that Coach Posey says the safety first team. Last year, we won of his team is his number one four games, but we should’ve priority & as long as his play- won 5 or 6. We lost some good ers are able to get on the field seniors,” said Posey. & try their hardest, he is proud “These guys haven’t had of them. shoulder pads on since last “This past year with the November. We didn’t have pandemic, you look at things spring training & we had to different when things happen skip the summer stuff. It’s dif- around you. There’s a sense of ferent for everyone. If these anxiousness. We are in unchart- guys can keep improving, I ed waters & we’re in a very pe- think they’ll be just as good culiar situation. You want to be or even better than last year. It careful with the team. You got depends on injuries, heart, & to have space, you got to disin- our senior leaders.” fect,” said Posey. On Sept. 30, Mississippi “For me, to even concentrate Gov. announced on football right now is second a revised Safe Recovery order to me. We, as a coaching staff, that eased some social distanc- are following the guidelines & ing restrictions, which includ- suggestions. By the time you ed increasing attendance at get to practice, you are in a dif- outdoor K-12 extracurricular ferent mentality because you events such as football games are worried about cleanliness, to 50% of seating capacity. just so the players are safe. If The previous order on Au- we can get the season played, gust 31 allowed 25% seating I’m proud for the boys.” capacity, which replaced the Due to revised scheduling initial order of 2 spectators due to COVID-19 safety pro- per participant. Face masks & tocols, certain games were can- social distancing requirements celled. An updated schedule will still be in effect. As a precaution, players are continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 17

Chahta Immi Receives Leflore Grant Boil Water The Department of Chahta to $49,000. re made to the overall Choc- Immi recently received a “Much of our recorded taw historical record.” Advisory $24,500 grant from the Mis- Tribal history is fragmented Printed informational ma- sissippi Delta National Heri- & often misunderstood or terials on Leflore & -Mal Guidelines tage Area to conduct research misrepresented & oftentimes maison, such as booklets & The Choctaw Public & increase public knowledge from a non-Choctaw perspec- brochures, will be developed Works Department has of Tribal history as it pertains tive,” said Jay Wesley, Di- & produced based on the re- released guidelines for fu- to 19th century Choctaw rector of the Department of search conducted. The De- ture instances of Boil Wa- Chief Greenwood Leflore Chahta Immi. partment of Chahta Immi ter Advisory notices that & the site of his Mississippi “Our goal in researching anticipates this project will are issued. If your Tribal Delta estate, Malmaison. & sharing the story of Chief also increase tourism oppor- community’s water sys- The Tribe made a 100 per- Greenwood Leflore & -Mal tunities for both the Tribe & tem is issued a boil water cent in-kind match to bring maison is to shed some light the . advisory, adhere to the the total budget of the project upon the contributions Leflo- following guidelines: • Do not drink tap wa- ter. she became one of the • Do not use ice made ECCC Tabs Gibson as Lions’ most potent hit- from recent tap water. ters. She had numerous • Do not use tap water Assistant Softball Coach multi-hit games, includ- to make drinks, juices, or ing the matchup against fountain soft drinks. East Central Community to positively impact University of Louisiana • Cook with tap water College (ECCC) head softball our young ladies as Monroe, where she went only if food is boiled for coach Leigh White announced players & as indi- 4-4 with three home at least one minute. the hiring of former Lady War- viduals.” Mahalia Gibson runs. Gibson was named • Wash dishes, fruits, & rior standout Mahalia Gibson Gibson starred for All-Louisiana Confer- vegetables in boiled water as assistant softball coach. two seasons at ECCC, where ence, All-Southland Confer- or water that has been dis- “We are thrilled to have Ma- she helped lead the Lady War- ence, & Southland Conference infected with bleach. Us- halia Gibson join our softball riors to a 48-14 record & to Newcomer of the Year. ing your home dishwasher program at East Central Com- the championship game of the Following graduation, Gib- is not recommended. munity College,” said White. 2015 National Junior College son spent one year at Pearl Riv- • Brush your teeth with “Not only was she an extreme- Athletic Association (NJCAA) er Community College in Pop- boiled or bottled water ly talented softball player on Division II Softball National larville as a graduate assistant • Wash your hands & the field, but she is a high-char- Championship tournament. & then a volunteer assistant. bathe as usual. Bathing is acter individual who fits per- That season, Gibson hit .406 Gibson prepped at Oak safe as long as no water is fectly into our team philosophy with 80 hits, including 24 dou- Grove High School in Hatties- swallowed. bles & 52 RBIs, all team bests. burg, where she was a standout • Wash laundry as She tied for the team lead in player for the Warriors. She hit usual. Laundry washed in home runs with 11 & had a .971 .463 her junior year & .458 her hot or cold water is safe. now includes an Oct. 9 home fielding average. senior year. She was named game against Louisville, Oct. She was named NJCAA Di- High School Softball Pitcher of HOW TO DISINFECT 16 homecoming game against vision II First Team All-Amer- the Year for the state of Missis- WATER Northeast Lauderdale, a road ican, NJCAA Division II Soft- sippi in 2013. • Bring water to a roll- game at West Lauderdale on ball National Championship Gibson holds an associate’s ing boil for 1 minute to Oct. 23, & a regular season All-Tournament Team, NJ- degree from ECCC, a bache- kill most organisms. finale at home against Leake CAA Region 23 All-Region lor’s degree in Kinesiology— • If you cannot boil Central on Oct. 30. Team, & Mississippi Associ- Fitness & Human Performance your water, mix eight “Its going to be very chal- ation of Community & Junior from Southeastern Louisi- drops (1/8 teaspoon) lenging. We know there are Colleges First Team All-State. ana University, & is currently of unscented, ordinary some teams who are stronger She was also named an Arthur working on a master’s degree household chlorine bleach & have had more conditioning, Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar in 2016. in Sports Management from the per gallon of water. Mix but we will let them know we Gibson continued her soft- University of Southern Missis- the solution thoroughly, are not going down while we ball & academic career at sippi. & let stand for 30 minutes still have some fight in us,” Southeastern Louisiana Uni- before using. proclaimed Posey. versity in Hammond, where PAGE 18 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

NCCER Certification Training that one of our Tribal em- ployees has become certi- Offered to Tribal Employees fied to teach the classes & are excited about the pos- The Mississippi Band the area of HVAC (heat- & electrical certification sibilities for advancement of Choctaw Indians, in ing, ventilation, & air programs. Fifteen Trib- the classes will offer our partnership with East conditioning),” said Sar- al employees are going Tribal members,” said Central Community Col- ah Medlock, Operations through the training, rep- Medlock. lege (ECCC), is offering Manager for the MBCI resenting various entities “Not only does this classes to Tribal employ- Office of Economic- De including Pearl River Re- training provide personal ees that will allow them velopment. “We imme- sort, MBCI Tribal Main- advancement for the in- to obtain NCCER Certi- diately began developing tenance, Choctaw Health dividuals, it also allows fication. a program to meet that Center, & Choctaw Tribal the MBCI to be more The National Center for need & this partnership Schools. self-sufficient, as we are Construction Education with ECCC allows us to Brian Robinson, an en- able to perform mainte- & Research (NCCER) offer the necessary train- gineer with the Tribe, is a nance issues ourselves. provides standardized ing along with national certified NCCER instruc- Our ongoing mission is to credentialing recognized certification credentials tor & will teach both the educate, train, & provide nationwide for those for our employees.” HVAC & electrical cours- career opportunities for working in the construc- Currently, classes are es. our members.” tion, maintenance, & being offered for HVAC “We are very pleased pipeline industries. “We performed an as- sessment with the direc- my family & friends,” said tors in each of our main- Wesley Wesley. “My frosting is tenance departments, & it based on what I learned from revealed that the primary Baking For Iva & the classes I took. I put need for training was in my own spin on the frosting Family, Faith to not make it too sweet, but sometimes it didn’t turn out What started out as a way for that way.” one Tribal member’s hobby to Alicia Wesley With each baking opportu- earn extra income has now blossomed nity comes experience, & with expe- into a passionate trade that Alicia rience comes challenges as her clients Wesley enjoys very much. And know- are always asking for unique, original ing that she has brightened someone’s cakes for their special occasions. day with her creativity & baking skills “I always ask myself how I can makes it worthwhile. make this cake better. I always look to Whether she’s at work at the Trib- perfect my techniques & I often look al Rental Program or being a super up Google or YouTube to help me mom to five children & being a grand- with ideas for new creations.” mother, Wesley still finds the time to Wesley makes it a family affair as bake unique cakes & cupcakes for her her son, Trey, & daughter, Anna, help growing clientele as she credits all out with baking & design duties, often glory to God for making everything times following their own free hand possible. drawings. Wesley, of the Pearl River Commu- With kindness in her voice, she nity, credits her aunt, Iva Denson, for speaks of God & her family as they fill stirring her interest in baking as she her life with love because they com- was asked to help decorate a cake. plete her. Denson showed her how to make the “I had put baking to the side & fo- frosting & she enjoyed the experience. cused on my work in the ministry with At the age of 17, Wesley enrolled in a my family. Bringing my children up in cake decorating class offered by East church, there is nothing I wouldn’t do Central Community College & she for my children & church family. My was hooked. dedication to them & the ministry is “Making cakes became second na- ture as I was asked to bake cakes for see WESLEY, pg. 24 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 19

Beware of Animals on Roadways the overcorrection property damage or the animal that could cause you still poses a safety threat on the As the weather HERE ARE A to turn into traffic or down off highway. begins to cool off FEW TIPS TO the shoulder of the road. • Stay away from the animal. & hunting sea- REMEMBER • Remember that animals of- A frightened or wounded ani- sons begin, we WHEN ten travel together, especially mal can be very dangerous. urge motorists to DRIVING: deer; so look for more if you • Don’t assume your vehicle be more vigilant • Stay alert see one. is safe to drive. Double check & attentive in the in natural cov- everything before you drive early morning & er areas, such as IF YOU ARE INVOLVED off. evening hours to wooded areas, IN A COLLISION WITH • Contact your insurance avoid collisions with animals waterways & shelterbelts. AN ANIMAL: agent. on roadways. • Always wear your seatbelts • Move your vehicle to a safe We encourage all to be care- Throughout the year, it is not & make sure children are buck- place. If possible, pull over to ful on the roadways to protect uncommon to have squirrels, led in. the side of the road and put on yourself, others & the animals! turtles, & deer crossing the • Use high beam headlights hazard lights. To report collisions with ani- road, but once the weather be- when you are able to so you can • Report the collision to the mals on Tribal lands, call 911 gins to get cooler, days begin see further out in front of you. authorities, especially if the or Choctaw Dispatch at 601- to get shorter, & animal breed- • Reduce your speed when collision resulted in injury or 656-5711. ing season is in full swing, the you see a deer near the edge of chances of encountering an- the roadway. imals, particularly deer, rise • Brake firmly if you see a substantially. deer. Do not swerve to avoid

Thinking of Starting a New Business in 2020, 2021? Although the U.S. has seen we are facing that reality in a stagnant economy during our country, it’s a good time much of 2020, the director for entrepreneurs to think of Economic Development about moving forward & for the Mississippi Band of launching their new product Choctaw Indians (MBCI) or service,” said Hendrix. says this is actually an ad- He lists several reasons vantageous climate for start- why this downturn in the ing a new business. economy could offer an en- According to director John vironment that is well suited Hendrix, a Kauffman Foun- for a startup company. dation study showed that 1. Higher unemployment over half of the companies during times of economic that have been on the For- slowdown offers a bigger tune 500 list were started talent pool. It’s easier to at- during times of flat econo- tract & maintain a qualified mies. Some of these include workforce. 1800s-era companies like 2. Rental & other overhead Procter & Gamble & Gen- costs are usually less expen- eral Electric, all the way to sive. Even office furniture & late 20th century names like supplies can often be found Home Depot, Microsoft, Ap- less expensively during ple, & FedEx. a time of slow economic “There is data that indi- growth. cates that an economic slow- 3. It’s a perfect time to down can be an ideal time to form a new business, & as see BUSINESS, pg. 20 PAGE 20 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

Pearl River. Deacon William- Shandahl Denise Hickman son Isaac officiated. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- Graveside vices was in charge of arrange- service for ments. Shandahl De- Mr. Cravatt passed away on nise Hickman, Garcia Brian Dixon, II Amos & Mazelle Morris; a August 1 at the Anderson Re- 31, was held nephew, 2 aunts, an uncle, & 3 gional Medical Center in Me- on Friday, Au- Graveside great-uncles. ridian. gust 14, 2020, service for Survivors include his moth- He was employed with Trib- at Hope Indian Baptist Ceme- Garcia Brian er, April Lewis; father, Garcia al Security & enjoyed drawing, tery in Pearl River. John E. Ste- Dixon, II, 17, B. Dixon; step-father, Sebas- painting, stickball, grilling, & phens Chapel Funeral Services was held on tian Lewis; sisters, Makeishia Face Timing with his son. was in charge. Sunday, Au- Amos, Alexandria John & Tyie- He was preceded in death by Ms. Hickman passed away gust 23, 2020, sha Dixon; brothers, Isiaha Lee his grandparents, John & Katie on August 2 in Jones County. at the Bogue Chitto Commu- Dixon, Milo Vaughn & Julius Mae Sam Mingo, Henderson Survivors include her par- nity Cemetery. Pastor Thomas Vaughn; grandmother, Debra Cravatt & Anna Wallace; par- ents, Sharon Hickman Thames Ben officiated. John E. - Ste Bell; special friend, Makala ents, Clifford Lloyd Cravatt (Anthony) & Jeremy Jim; phens Chapel Funeral Services Anderson; 3 aunts, 4 uncles, 6 & Zella Rose Mingo Cravatt; daughters, Mylee Denise Ben was in charge of arrangements. great-aunts, 6 great-uncles, & a & stepmother, Tommie Rose & Ella Rose Hickman; son, Mr. Dixon passed away on host of relatives & friends. Birdshead Cravatt. Ethan Chase Hickman; sisters, July 26 in Kemper County. Survivors include his son, Emilee Thames & Meloney He enjoyed being with fami- Irvin Wallace Cravatt Sunjay Lloyd Tojuhwa Smith; Thames; brother, Jerithan Jim; ly, playing stickball & listening sisters, Sandra Cravatt, Katie half-brother, Jeremy Henry; & to music. Graveside Reed & Matilda Pratt; brothers, a host of relatives & friends. He was preceded in death service for Ir- Robert Littlebird, Jr., Thomas by his grandfathers, Davis Lee vin Wallace Littlebird & Henry Littlebird, Nathan Ray Wallace Amos & Eddie Dixon; grand- Cravatt, 51, Sr.; special friend, Alicia Jim; mother, Bobby Jean Frazier; was held on & a host of nieces, nephews, Graveside service for Nathan great-grandparents, Royce Thursday, Au- relatives, & friends. Ray Wallace, 37, was held on Bell, Sr. & Alma John Bell, gust 6, 2020, Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Herman & Millie Frazier, Tom at the Simon Isaac Cemetery in continued next page

BUSINESS ...... continued from page nineteen

offer a new product or service that the safest bet, history shows that in offers convenience or saves people fact, many successful companies money. A new product offered at a have actually begun during just lower price point than competitive these types of downturns. Potential products in the market will get no- entrepreneurs should be aware of ticed quickly. this & tread carefully but optimisti- 4. Low interest rates are ideal for cally through the business develop- entrepreneurs. In today’s business ment process. climate, loans & credit cards are at As one of the ’ orig- rock-bottom rates, making it a great inal first nations, the MBCI is the time to lock in to those low rates. only federally recognized American 5. Those looking to invest are Indian tribe living within the State looking at options other than the of Mississippi. With over 11,000 stock market during times of stag- members, Choctaw lands cover nation. It’s a perfect opportunity to over 35,000 acres in 10 counties. find someone to invest in a startup The Tribe is a major contributor to business that can offer long-term the state’s economy as it provides return on investment. permanent, full-time jobs for over Although these uncertain eco- 5,000 Tribal-member & non-Indian nomic times can make people feel employees. that maintaining the status quo is CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 21 the Pine Bluff Erma Hickman; sister, Melin- Ms. Tober passed away on Survivors include his daugh- Cemetery. da Gibson; brothers, Richard August 9 at her residence. ter, Juanina Mingo; son, Joseph Rev. Mark Hickman (Stephanie), David She was preceded in death by Mingo; sisters, Gail Clemons, Patrick offi- Hickman & Edwin Hickman, her son, Angel Armonta, Jr.; & Maline Bell, Laline Rush, & ciated. John Jr.; & a host of nieces, neph- a grandson, Marcello P More- Lonnie Wallace; brothers, Bar- E. Stephens ews, relatives, & friends. no. ney Willis, Delmon Willis & Chapel Fu- Survivors include her daugh- Perry Willis; 3 grandchildren & neral Services was in charge of Matthew Ray McMillan ter, Natalie Armonta; parents, a host of nieces, nephews, rela- arrangements. Joseph Anthony Steve and Es- tives, & friends. Mr. Wallace passed away on Graveside sie Mae Steve; sister, Paula Co- August 4 at his residence. service for barrueias; 4 grandchildren; & a Joann Steve He was employed as a kitch- Matthew Ray host of relatives & friends. en worker at Pearl River Re- McMillan, Graveside sort. He enjoyed socializing. 49, was held John Mingo, Jr. service for He was preceded in death on Wednes- Joann Steve, by his mother, Vanell Farmer; day, August Graveside 54, was held stepfather, Charles Briscoe; 12, 2020, at the Bogue Chitto service for on Tuesday, grandparents, Arthur & Doro- Community Cemetery. Pastor John Mingo, August 18, thy Polk Farmer, Argie & Mar- Thomas Ben & Rev. Charles Jr., 74, was 2020, at the garet Rose Wallace; an aunt & Doby Henry officiated. John E. held on Sat- Choctaw Christian Cemetery. 4 uncles. Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- urday, August Rev. Jordan Kennedy officiat- Survivors include his father, vices was in charge of arrange- 22, 2020, at ed. John E. Stephens Chapel Anthony Wallace; stepbrother, ments. the Standing Pine Commu- Funeral Services was in charge Eric Briscoe; special friend, Mr. McMillan passed away nity Cemetery. Bro. Shaunde of arrangements. Melanie Bell; 2 aunts, 3 uncles, on August 6 at Neshoba Gener- Ahshapanek & Pastor Willie Ms. Steve passed away on & a host of relatives & friends. al Hospital in . Solomon, Jr. officiated. John E. August 14 at the Choctaw Res- He was previously employed Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- idential Center in Choctaw. Allan John Hickman as a tree planter then the poul- vices was in charge of arrange- She enjoyed watching soap try industry prior to becoming a ments. operas on TV, talking on the Graveside Receiver/Mail Courier at Pearl Mr. Mingo passed away on phone, cooking, fishing, & be- service for River Resort for 23 years. He August 13 at the Mississippi ing outdoors. Allan John enjoyed telling stories, listen- Baptist Medical Center in Jack- She was preceded in death by Hickman, 34, ing to music, texting, watch- son. her parents, Sylvester Steve & was held on ing old TV shows & wrestling, He was a Maintenance Su- Emmalie Cotton; & a brother, Monday, Au- fishing, attending church, hymn pervisor at Pearl River Resort Kenneth Ray Steve. gust 10, 2020, singing, coaching basketball, & & was an electrician for over Survivors include her sister, at the Bogue Chitto Commu- taking family trips. 40 years. He created hand- Hazel Steve; brother, Danny nity Cemetery. Rev. Charles He was preceded in death by crafts, rabbit sicks, stickball King; companion, Sam Agui- Doby Henry officiated. John E. his parents, Augustine & Ora sticks, & blow guns. He had a lar; 2 nieces, a nephew, a great- Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- McMillan; sister, Sherry Isaac; role in AIM & member of the niece, 3 great-nephews, & a vices was in charge of arrange- & a brother, Edward McMillan. International Brotherhood of host of cousins, relatives, & ments. Survivors include his wife, Electrical Workers. He enjoyed friends. Mr. Hickman passed away Linda C. McMillan; daugh- hunting, fishing, watching his on August 5 at the University ter, Tomika Bell-McMillan; grandchildren play sports, vis- Addie Marie Thomas of Alabama Medical Center in brother, Bobby Wayne McMil- iting the casino & Choctaw El- Birmingham. lan; 1 grandchild, 1 aunt, 1 un- derly Activity Center, & being Graveside He was previously employed cle, & a host of nieces, neph- a Dallas Cowboys fan. He was service for with Pearl River Resort & the ews, relatives, & friends. a member of Hopewell Baptist Addie Marie hotel industry in Pearl. He en- Church. Thomas, 72, joyed cooking, traveling, Na- Sonya Kay Tober He was preceded in death was held on tive art, & being a Raiders fan. by his parents, Arch Mingo & Wednesday, He was preceded in death by Memorial service for Sonya Annie Tubby Willis; wife, Bet- August 19, his father, Edwin Earl Hick- Kay Tober, 51, was held on Sat- ty Ann Mingo; sister, Pauline 2020, at Greenhill Methodist man, Sr.; sister, Charlita Pau- urday, August 22, 2020, at the Mingo; & brothers, Marzine Cemetery in Pearl River. Rev. line Hickman; & grandparents, residence of Paula Covarrubias Mingo, Jake Thomas, Freeman Daniel Tubby officiated. John Wilbert & Delphine Concho, in Standing Pine. John E. Ste- Thomas, Lewis Willis, Paul E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Bobbie & Pauline Hickman. phens Chapel Funeral Services Willis, Linwood Willis, & Lar- Survivors include his mother, was in charge of arrangements. ry Willis. see OBITUARIES, pg. 22 PAGE 22 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

OBITUARIES ...... continued from page twenty-one

Services was in charge of ar- Frances Wilson Sam; son, Bra- Services was L. Frazier; & a host of aunts, rangements. den Sam, Sr.; sister, Patricia in charge of uncles, relatives, & friends. Ms. Thomas passed away on Sam; brother, Davis Wilson; & arrangements. August 14 at her residence. two infant grandsons. Mr. Willis Samantha Marie Cutler She was employed with Survivors include his wife, passed away American Greetings for 25 Charlene Denson Sam; daugh- on September Graveside years & enjoyed get togeth- ter, Ariel Kristen Sam; son, Co- 2 at Boliver service for Sa- ers, playing washers, fishing, rey Dean Sam; brothers, Mark Medical Center in Cleveland, mantha Marie watching “Billy Jack,” listen- Sam & Erick Sam; 7 grandchil- MS. Cutler, 25, ing to church hymns, & playing dren, a nephew, & a host of rel- He was preceded in death was held on softball when she was younger. atives & friends. by his parents, Leona Tubby Sunday, Octo- She was preceded in death & Louie Willis; sisters, Sandra ber 4, 2020, at by her parents, Cleve & Hazel Patsy Ann Tubby Willis Billy & Vera Willis; & Isaac Cemetery in Pearl River. Tubby Thomas; sisters, Annie brothers, Robert Stoliby & Lar- John E. Stephens Chapel Fu- Roe Thomas Wesley & Cath- Graveside service for Patsy ry Willis. neral Services was in charge of leen Thomas; brothers, Odie Ann Tubby, 64, was held on Survivors include his sisters, arrangements. Jim, Arthur Thomas, Sr., Sam Saturday, September 5, 2020, Donna Burr, Tammy Willis Ms. Cutler passed away on Thomas, Sr., & Leon Thomas, at the Conehatta Community & Mattie Dixon; brother, Lou September 10 in Philadelphia. Sr.; & a son, Nyron Thomas. Cemetery. Samuel Wallace & Martin Willis; & a host of rel- She was a participant of the Survivors include her daugh- Pastor Robert Patrick officiat- atives & friends. Day Training Program & en- ter, Dewanna Thomas; brother, ed. John E. Stephens Chapel joyed being with family & Alvin Thomas; 12 grandchil- Funeral Services was in charge Chris Michael Thomas, Jr. freinds, listening to music & dren; & a host of nieces, neph- of arrangements. babysitting. ews, relatives, & friends. Ms. Tubby passed away on Graveside She was preceded in death by September 1 at Rush Founda- service for her mother, Rose Tubby Cutler; Bobby Dean Sam tion Hospital in Meridian. Chris Michael an infant & a nephew. She was a homemaker & en- Thomas, Jr., Survivors include her father, Graveside joyed being with her family. 27, was held Terry Cutler; brothers, Mat- service for She was preceded in death on Friday, thew Tubby & Benjamin Cut- Bobby Dean by her parents, Robert Addison September 11, ler; 5 nieces, 1 nephew, & a Sam, 58, was Tubby & Ruth Denson Tub- 2020, at the Nanih Waiya Men- host of relatives & friends. held on Fri- by; brothers, Edwin Tubby & nonite Cemetery. Deacon Ken- day, August Harold Denson; grandmother, dall Wallace & Rev. Charles Marjorie Mae John 28, 2020, at Beauty Gibson Denson; a Doby Henry officiated. John E. the Standing Pine Commu- granddaughter, 2 aunts, an un- Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- Graveside nity Cemetery. Bro. Shaunde cle, & a niece. vices was in charge of arrange- service for Ahshapanek & Pastor Willie Survivors include her daugh- ments. Marjorie Mae Solomon, Jr. officiated. John E. ter, Melissa Tubby; sons, Mr. Thomas passed away on John, 73, was Stephens Chapel Funeral Ser- Jerry Mingo & Mason Min- September 7 at Anderson Re- held on Satur- vices was in charge of arrange- go; sisters, Martha Denson, gional Medical Center in Me- day, Septem- ments. Laura Breedlove & Connie ridian. ber 18, 2020, Mr. Sam passed away on Au- Gore; brothers, Melvin Wilson He enjoyed playing baseball, at Phillips Cemetery in Pearl gust 24 at the Choctaw Health & Lefus Tubby, Sr.; 11 grand- basketball, stickball, & football River. Pastor Thomas Ben Center in Choctaw. children; 2 great-grandchil- when he was younger. He also officiated. John E. Stephens He was a U.S. Navy Veter- dren; & a host of nieces, neph- enjoyed being with family & Chapel Funeral Services was in an & member of the Hopewell ews, relatives, & friends. socializing. He was a fan of the charge of arrangements. Baptist Church. He was an In- LSU Tigers football team. Ms. John passed away on structional Aide with the Choc- Barry Glen Willis He was preceded in death by September 14 at Neshoba Gen- taw Central Middle School’s his father, Chris Frazier; sister, eral Nursing Home in Philadel- Special Education Program. He Graveside service for Barry Crystal Thomas; grandfathers, phia. enjoyed carpentry work, yard Glen Willis, 54, was held on Arthur Thomas, Sr. & Eddie She was employed at Pearl work, working on cars & small Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Dixon; grandmothers, Betty A. River Resort & enjoyed social- engines, & playing/watching the John Memorial Methodist Thomas & Bobby Jean Dixon; izing at the Choctaw Elderly Oka Homma stickball. Cemetery in Red Water. Pastor & an uncle. Activity Center & the casino He was preceded in death by Daniel Tubby officiated. John Survivors include his mother, his parents, R.B. Sam & Mary E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Dina J. Thomas; sister, Keshia continued next page CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 23

& watching classic TV pro- Andrea Isaac Farmer; daughter, grams. She previously lived in Catalina Farmer; sons, Thom- Sheila Janelle Mattera Chicago, IL, with her family & as Farmer & Samuel Farmer; Rivera was employed with Firemens step-son, Logan Isaac; sister, Fund Insurance. After her re- Sandra Isaac (Williamson); 2 Graveside services for tirement, she moved back to aunts, an uncle, & a host of rel- Sheila Rivera was held Mississippi. atives & friends. on Friday, September 25, She was preceded in death 2020, at the Holy Rosa- by her husband, Roy John, Sr.; Betty Jane Lewis ry Catholic Cemetery in parents, Nathan Johnson & Tucker. Father Bob Good- Mollie Steve Johnson; sister, Graveside year, S.T., officiated. Rena Bell; & brother, Stanley service for Mrs. Rivera, 47, passed Johnson, Sr. Betty Jane away on April 19, 2020, in Survivors include her son, Lewis, 53, Chicago, IL. She was pre- Roy John, Jr.; sister, Loreda was held on ceded in death by her grandmother, Vivian Tubby; & uncles, Johnson; brother, Clarence Saturday, Oc- Melvin Tubby, Jerry Tubby, & Mike White. Johnson (Tracy); goddaughter, tober 3, 2020, Survivors include her husband, Noland Rivera; son, Isaiah Lorena Rodriquez; & a host of at the Standing Pine Communi- Rivera; step-children, Anthony, Allie, Megan, & Noland Jr.; nices, nephews, relatives, & ty Cemetery. Rev. George Dix- mother, Rita Mattera; father, Fred Mattera; brother, Sonny friends. on officiated. John E. Stephens Mattera; sister, Angelina Mattera; aunts, Gloria White, Ber- Chapel Funeral Services was in nita Reynolds, & Brenda Stephens; uncles, Bobby Tubby & Raymond Farmer, Jr. charge of arrangements. Jerry Reynolds; & close cousins, Michelle & Sherri. Ms. Lewis passed away on Sheila believed in education & graduated with a Bachelor’s Graveside September 29 at Regional One & Master’s Degrees in Social Work & a Master’s Certificate service for Hospital in Memphis, TN. in Pastoral Counseling. She was an ordained minister. Raymond She was a member of Mrs. Rivera completed the Federal Law Enforcement Farmer, Jr., Hopewell Baptist Church & Training Program in Artesia, NM & became a Choctaw Po- 43, was held was self-employed as a care- lice Department police officer. “Possum” Sheila overcame on Friday, giver. many obstacles & achieved every goal she set for herself; September 25, She enjoyed being with fam- however, being Isaiah’s mom was her greatest blessing from 2020, at the Simon Isaac Cem- ily & friends, playing washer God. She always intended to retire from the Cook County etery in Pearl River. Deacon throws, softball, dancing, lis- Sheriff’s Office & work in security at Walt Disney World, Williamson Isaac & Rev. Mark tening to country music & her the happiest place in the world. Patrick officiated. John E. Ste- favorite singer, Kenny Rogers. Pallbearers were Isaiah Rivera & Sonny Mattera. phens Chapel Funeral Services She also enjoyed watching TV was in charge of arrangements. shows on the Lifetime Channel, Mr. Farmer passed away on Family Feud & In The Heat of at the Bogue small engines, watching classic September 22 at Rush Founda- the Night. Chitto Com- western TV shows & movies, tion Hospital in Meridian. She was preceded in death munity Cem- & listening to classic country He was employed for 20 years by her parents, Prentis Lewis etery. Deacon music. at the Choctaw Health Center’s & Lula Mae Lewis; a son, Ron Kendall Wal- He was preceded in death maintenance department. He Keith Lewis; sisters, Linda lace & Rev. by his parents, Mose & Jinnie enjoyed supporting & cheering Champion & Myra Lewis Stoli- Charles Doby (Jean) Bell Thompson; wife, for his kids in everything they by; & brothers, Amon Lewis & Henry officiated. John E. - Ste Rosie Wesley Thompson; sister, did, hunting, fishing, camping, James “Boncho” Lewis, Sr. phens Chapel Funeral Services Ina Thompson Morris; broth- traveling, cooking, doing yard Survivors include her daugh- was in charge of arrangements. ers, Billy Thompson, Steve work, lifting weights, basket- ter Lisa Lewis; sons, Jeremy Mr. Thompson passed away Thompson, Jimmy Thompson, ball, football, softball, & base- Vaughn & Ryan Lewis; special on September 29 at the Choc- & Thurman B. Thompson; an ball. He was a fan of the Ole companion, Melvin Allen; a taw Health Center in Choctaw. infant son & a great-grandson. Miss Rebels. brother, Pete Lewis; 18 grand- He was a BIA Road Foreman Survivors include his daugh- He was preceded in death by children; one great-grandchild, & a certified diesel mechanic. ter, Norma Jean Thompson his parents, Raymond Farmer, & a host of relatives & friends. He was also employed with Willis; sons, Gilbert Thompson Sr. & Geneva Allen Farmer; Choctaw Land Enterprise & & Gabriel Thompson; 7 grand- sister, Lydia Charnelle Farmer; Hector Archie Thompson was a wood logger. When he children; 10 great-grandchil- & grandparents, Bill & Mamie was a youth, he enjoyed play- dren; & a host of nieces, neph- Willis Farmer, J.C. Allen & Graveside service for Hector ing baseball & was known for ews, relatives, & friends. Mattie Willis Allen. Archie Thompson, 87, was held his pitching. He enjoyed gar- Survivors include his wife, on Saturday, October 3, 2020, dening, farming, working with PAGE 24 CHOCTAW COMMUNITY NEWS

Choctaw Community News

Princesses, Braves Crowned ABOVE, Congratulations to the Pearl River Elementa- ry School students selected as Princess & Brave for the AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 2020-2021 school year. Pic- © 2020 MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS tured, from left, are Brave Hunter McMillan, Princess Kady Hickman, Brave Kason Wesley, Princess Eve Lew- Students is, & Brave Kovin Isaac. Not of The pictured is Princess La’Teecia Orduno. RIGHT, Congratu- Month lations to Talia Ben & Jacob Honored Frazier for being crowned the Philadelphia Department of Early Childhood Education’s 2020-2021 American Rotary Club Indian Day Princess & Brave in their first virtual pageant. Pictured, recently hon- from left, are Brave Jacob Frazier, reigning Choctaw Indian Prin- ored recipients cess Elisah Jimmie, & Princess Talia Ben. of October’s Students of the Month. Pic- tured, from left to right, are AnnaLeigh Jones (Neshoba Central High WESLEY ...... continued from page eighteen School), Sierra Rayne Wallace (Choctaw Central High School), Talease Griffin (Philadelphia High School), & Elizabeth Frohse, a part of what makes Student of the Month Chairperson. me walk with God with humble kind- ness,” said Wesley. One of her lat- works of art. She pays close at- cakes for birthday parties host- est creations which tention to every detail that most ed by the Department of Fam- has garnered much of us would overlook - that is ily & Community Services & attention, pictured the secret ingredient in all her the Boys & Girls Clubs. left, is a cake shaped cakes. Her other specialty is On average, Wesley receives as a woven Choctaw making character cakes for 30 cake orders per week. She basket with cup- children as she enjoys seeing definitely has her hands full, cakes adorned with their reactions when they see but isn’t in the business to dis- beautiful flower their cakes. appoint. Her Facebook posts shaped frosting. “It’s the passion & the light are filled with pictures of her Wesley has love in a child’s eye as they see their baked creations & numerous & passion for every cake for the first time.” compliments from her growing cake she makes, of- She also gives back to the satisfied customers. ten trying to create community as she has donated