Contact Us
Contact Information
Please feel free to email the following contacts with any questions:
Misty Brescia, Director, Office of Public Information at misty.brescia@choctaw.org
Fred Willis, Manager, Public Information at fred.willis@choctaw.org
Genealogy Information
To be eligible for membership in the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (“MBCI”), Article III, Section 1 of MBCI’s Revised Constitution and Bylaws of provides that a person must either: (1) appear on the census roll prepared by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Choctaw Agency of all Choctaw Indians resident in Mississippi on January 1, 1940 (commonly referred to as MBCI’s “base roll”); or (2) be the biological child of a MBCI tribal member and have a MBCI blood quantum of one-half (1/2) or more. For the purpose of computing blood quantum, persons listed on the base roll have full (4/4) MBCI blood quantum. Persons not listed on the base roll are entitled to one-half (1/2) of the MBCI blood quantum of each MBCI tribal member biological parent.
The MBCI Tribal Enrollment Office can verify whether you ancestor appears on MBCI’s base roll, but you must provide that person’s complete name (including maiden name) and date of birth. If you believe that you or your child are eligible for membership in MBCI, please contact the MBCI Tribal Enrollment Office at 601-656-5251, ext. 1542 or ask for Tribal Enrollment, to request an application. Title XXII of the Choctaw Tribal Code establishes the process for enrolling new members.
FAQ
Got a question? We’re here to answer! If you don’t see your question here, please call 601-663-7532.
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Signed on January 3, 1786 in Hopewell on Keowee river in South Carolina. The Tribe traded 69,120 acres in exchange for protection by the newly formed U.S. government. Those who signed the treaty were Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens and Joe Martin for the United States of America. Yockenahoma, great Medal Chief of Soonacoha; Yockehoopoie, leading Chief of Bugtoogoloo; Mingohoopoie, leading Chief of Hashoogua; Tobocoh, great Medal Chief of Congetoo; Pooshemastuby, Gorget Captain of Senayazo; and thirteen small Medal Chiefs of the first Class, twelve Medal and Gorget Captains.
If my ancestor was Choctaw, how do I verify my lineage?
The MBCI Tribal Enrollment Office can verify whether your ancestor(s) appear on the MBCI’s base roll, but you must provide that person’s complete name (including maiden name) and date of birth. For more information, please click here.
Are tours available?
Yes, tours are available of Tribal lands and specific areas if requested. There could be a fee if you require transportation rental. If you would like a guided tour, please fill out the “Tour Request Form” found here.
Do I need permission to use the Tribal Seal or Logo?
Yes, as a trademarked image you do need permission to use the Tribal Seal or Logo. Please fill out this “Image/Media Request Form” and send it to the email indicated at the bottom of the form or drop it off at the front desk of the Office of Public Information. Along with the request form, please send in a digital sample of your design.
If you would like to sell food/arts and crafts on Tribal land?
Yes, permission is needed to sell on Tribal land. If you like to sell at the Choctaw Shopping Center, please contact Sandy Balderas at 601-504-4448. If you would like to sell at the Pavilion across from the Old Museum or any of the community gyms, please contact, Adrian Wesley at 601-650-1549.
How do I get assistance (food/utility)?
Assistant Services: Those whose income falls below the poverty guidelines or those who are unemployed can reach out to Assistant Services at 601-650-1666.
| household |
LIHEAP and LIHWAP 150% |
Tribal Revenue 120% |
| 1 | $20,385.00 | $16,308.00 |
| 2 | $27,465.00 | $21,972.00 |
| 3 | $34,545.00 | $27,636.00 |
| 4 | $41,625.00 | $33,200.00 |
| 5 | $48,705.00 | $38,964.00 |
| 6 | $55,785.00 | $44,628.00 |
| 7 | $62,865.00 | $50,292.00 |
| 8 | $69,945.00 | $55,956.00 |
| Add $4720. for each person in household over eight (8) persons. | ||
| Person unemployed would need to fill out five (5) employment forms | ||
If you would like to apply for Utility Assistance either through the LIHWAP (water) program or LIHEAP (energy) program please fill out the program application, stop by the Social Services office and see Sally Allen, or email her at sally.allen@choctaw.org.
Government Assistance: To receive help from Government Assistance, the head of the household will need to call 601-650-7406 to fill out an intake form. However, only one intake per household can be turned in. Also, assistance is granted bi-monthly except for July and December (months of distribution) when no assistance is given.
I did not receive my distribution check in the mail, how do I get it?
- To pick up your distribution check, please call Barbara Ben at 601-650-1560 to schedule a pick-up time and date.
- If you would like to change your name, address, or other information please refer to the Distribution Packet, within the packet fill out the “CHANGES to Distribution Form” and email it to distribution@choctaw.org.
- To set-up Direct Deposit please refer to the Distribution Packet, within the packet fill out the “Direct Deposit Authorization Form” and email it to distribution@choctaw.org.
How can one get the detailed history of the Tribe? Does there have to be an approval to get information from the archives?
- To get a detailed history of the Tribe, you can visit the Chahta Immi Cultural Center. It is located in the Choctaw Shopping Center next to the Piggly Wiggly and he times are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (After hour group visits available by appointment.)
- If you would like to visit the Archives, please fill out this “Archive Request Form” and send it to mspencer@choctaw.org.
How can an out-of-state tribal member get the Community News frequently?
If you would like a subscription to the Choctaw Community News, please contact Diana Solomon at gibson@choctaw.org with your first, last name and mailing address.
I have a construction project that requires review, whom do I contact?
Most question can be answered by the Tribal Historic Preservation Program. For Section 106 consultations, please email section106@choctaw.org. Any NAGPRA questions, historic preservation, or cultural questions, please email THPO@choctaw.org.
I want to write a book that include Choctaw names and history, what kind of permission do I need?
In order to write a book that includes Choctaw names, history, culture, and/or research you will need to get approval for the project from the Choctaw Tribal Council. The first step is to contact cheriena.ben@choctaw.org to start the process.
I am doing a research paper on the Mississippi Choctaw, do I need to let the Tribe know?
If you are doing a school/college paper for a specific class you don’t have to get permission from the Tribe. However, if you are doing a thesis or research paper that requires you to talk to Tribal Members, work with Tribal Programs, and/or do any type of research on Tribal lands then you will have to get permission from the Tribal Council. The first step is to contact cheriena.ben@choctaw.org to start the process.
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