For Immediate Release

Melba Smith Sworn in as Peacemaker

CHOCTAW, Miss. – (January 8, 2008) – A swearing in ceremony was held January 8, 2008, during Tribal Council meeting to appoint Melba Smith as the Peacemaker Judge for the Choctaw Tribal Courts. Ms. Smith is a Pearl River resident. Her parents were Frank Bell Sr. and Ivenia Bell. She is married to Roger Smith and has 2 daughters, Priscilla Wahwasuck and Vanessa Smith and seven grandchildren.

Judge Smith began her career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs where she served in the Social Service Program for 10 years. She also served two years under the BIA with the Choctaw Police Department. After her tenure with the BIA, Judge Smith began work with the Tribe in the Choctaw Early Childhood Program in numerous capacities including teacher’s aide and education coordinator. She then accepted the Director’s position with the Standing Pine Childcare Center. She left her post at the center to go back to the childhood program to serve as a child development specialist.

She is a graduate of Choctaw Central High School and received her Associates in Applied Science from East Central Community College.

In appointing Judge Smith to her position, Miko Denson stated his confidence in her abilities.

“Mrs. Smith is very articulate and reads up a great bit to understand the tribal laws and traditions. I am confident that she will carry out her duties fairly and accurately.”

Judge Smith accepted her position, noting her appreciation.

“I look forward to working with the Judicial Department and my people. I would like to thank Miko and Tribal Council for this opportunity. I also would like to thank my family members and relatives who have supported me along the way and above all else, the good lord for the guidance he has bestowed upon me. If it wasn’t for his guidance, none of this would have happened in my life.

She also paid tribute to past directors and chiefs. “I have been honored to be appointed by three directors to serve in several posts during my career– Harold Keyes with the BIA and Jerry Parr and Melissa Lewis Tenhet with Early Childhood Program. I also am very humbled to be appointed by two Tribal Chiefs to different postings. In 1986, the former chief, Chief Phillip Martin asked me to take a position working with court ordered youth placed in the Choctaw Central High School dormitory. This was a six month program under a limited budget. And today, Miko Denson recommending me to this post -- it is truly an honor.”

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