Doolittle Congressional Remarks Sept 16 1998


 * Congressional Record: September 16, 1998 (Extensions)
 * Page E1739-E1740
 * DOCID:cr16se98-35

Recognizing the Achievements of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

 * Hon. John T. Doolittle of California*
 * in the House of Representatives
 * Wednesday, September 16, 1998

Mr. Doolittle: Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Resources Committee, I have worked to advance and strengthen tribal self- governments and promote private enterprise on our Nation's reservations. One tribe that has been a national leader in exercising its self-determination to build a strong tribal government and reservation-based economy is the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Through the vision of Chief Phillip Martin, the Tribe used its sovereignty to develop a tribal economy to foster a highly responsive approach to providing traditional government services on the reservation. When Chief Martin became leader of the Tribe, he knew that the tribal government had to assume responsibility of government functions rather than they rely on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take care of its members.

Dramatic gains have occurred during the past 20 years on the Choctaw Reservation. The average educational level of adult tribal members has jumped from sixth grade in the 1970s to twelfth grade today. Life expectancy has also increased by nearly twenty years, and infant mortality has declined substantially. Through the efforts of the Choctaw Housing Authority, housing for tribal members has risen above substantial levels.

The tribal members of the Choctaw Tribe have worked extremely hard to achieve their vastly improved living standard. The innovative approach to eradicating poverty on the reservation by reaching out to private businesses to invest in the tribe has been very successful for the Choctaws.

I commend Chief Martin for believing in his tribe and taking the risk to develop the enterprises on the Choctaw Reservation. The restoration of the Choctaw Indian tribe is a great American success story of self- reliance and sheer determination that we all can be proud.