Whereas, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is a federally-recognized Indian tribe retaining its rights of sovereignty as recognized by treaty, federal and state law, and federal and state court decisions; and

Whereas, the territory of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is located in Mississippi, and citizens of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians residing in Choctaw Indian Country located in Mississippi are also citizens of the State of Mississippi; and

Whereas, there exists and interdependent relationship between the government of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the government of the State of Mississippi; and

Whereas, the executive branch of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the executive branch of the government of the State of Mississippi, on a regular basis, work and cooperate with each other on numerous and varied governmental programs; and

Whereas, in working with each other, it is proper, necessary, and beneficial that the executive branches of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the State of Mississippi act in a manner that will continue to build upon and improve the delivery of governmental services and in a manner that is cognizant of, respectful of and consistent with the sovereignty of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the sovereignty of the State of Mississippi; be it therefore

Resolved And Agreed that the executive branch of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the executive branch of the State of Mississippi will, in the future, at all times, work with each other on a government-to-government basis, and in furtherance of this relationship, will develop memorandums of understanding between the executive departments of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the executive departments of the State of Mississippi setting forth the procedures and guidelines to ensure that programs effection both entities are effectively implemented while the sovereignty of both entities is properly respected; and be it

Resolved And Agreed that the parties hereto have entered into this Accord for the sole purpose of enhancing government-to-government cooperation between the executive branch of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the executive branch of the State of Mississippi. This Accord does not, and shall not be construed to, change, enlarge, diminish, or waive the sovereignty or jurisdiction of either party, or the rights, privileges, or immunities of any person. In addition, this Accord does not, and shall not be construed to, create any right to administrative or judicial review, or any other right, benefit or responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any person against the executive branch of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the executive branch of the State of Mississippi, their officers or employees, or any other person.

Executed on this the 24th day of November 1997