[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS' COMMITMENT TO TRIBAL 
            SELF-GOVERNANCE AND PROSPEROUS TRIBAL ECONOMIES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 1998

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to 
join my colleagues in honoring the extraordinary leadership of Chief 
Philip Martin and commending the successes of the Choctaw Tribe.
  As a member of both the Congressional Native American Caucus and the 
Resources Committee, I have dedicated many hours to the promotion of 
tribal sovereignty and have met with numerous tribal leaders across the 
country to determine ways to jump start tribal economies. The Choctaw 
achievements and record in these two areas is truly exceptional.
  Chief Martin's commitment to tribal self-determination, tribal 
sovereignty and the development of tribal economies has brought about 
enormous positive change to the Choctaw Reservation and the surrounding 
communities in Southeastern Mississippi.
  By rebuilding the tribal government, educating its tribal members and 
constructing the basic infrastructure to maintain a very modest 
manufacture-based economy, the Choctaws were able to carve out a place 
for the tribe in the mainstream economy in the late 1970's. Over the 
last twenty years, Chief Martin has been able to expand the economy and 
create manufacturing jobs for members and the surrounding communities. 
This progress has allowed the tribe to improve the reservation 
infrastructure, construct single family homes for tribal members, and 
strengthen education and training among Choctaw citizens.
  This diversified economy has also enabled the tribe to become 
entirely self-governing. Revenues from the Choctaw enterprises are used 
to operate their own courts, fire departments, police force, 
reservation school system, housing authority, utility commission and 
health care system.
  The resurrection of the Choctaw Tribe is a remarkable story. It is a 
model from which our Nation's Indian tribes can learn from and try to 
replicate. It is also a story lawmakers should look toward when 
considering legislation that affects native Americans. The Choctaws are 
indeed a tribe worth emulating, and their experiences exemplify what 
strong tribal governments can achieve.

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