For Immediate Release

Mississippi Choctaws Host Housing Summit

CHOCTAW, Miss. – (October 5, 2007) – The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians hosted the First Annual Choctaw Tribal Housing Summit on October 10-11, 2007, at the Choctaw Hospitality Institute located on the Pearl River Reservation in Choctaw, Miss. The Office of the Miko organized the conference to address serious housing needs among Tribal members.

Participants were able to interact with various federal, local and tribal resources that aid in purchasing or improving a home. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representatives of prominent financial institutions, Fannie Mae, the Choctaw Loan Program, and the Choctaw Housing Program were on hand to present on various topics. Also present were representatives from Senator Thad Cochran's office and Congressman Chip Pickering's office. Each presenter brought a wealth of expertise in all facets of housing. The theme of this year’s conference was "Owning Our Future." The summit is planned to be an annual event available to any tribal member who would like in-depth information on their housing options.

"My administration is working to address the serious housing shortfalls that we have been experiencing for several years," said Tribal Miko Beasley Denson. "Good housing is one of the most important elements of any community, and we will strive to ensure that that housing on the reservation is of excellent quality, affordable, and available. This is important work and we want to benefit as many Tribal members as possible"

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, with an enrolled membership of 9,660, is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. Headquartered in the Pearl River community, near Philadelphia, Mississippi, the tribe has emerged as a leader in economic development. The Tribe provides a range of governmental services for its members including schools, a hospital, medical clinics, police and fire protection, courts, an elderly center, among many others.

Please direct all questions to the Office of Public Information at 601.650.1537.