Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben has been elected to the board of trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH).
Chief Ben’s election to the MDAH must be confirmed by the Mississippi State Senate. He will be the first Native American and member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians elected to the MDAH Board of Trustees.
“Chief Ben brings an excellent background of public service and leadership experience,” said Spence Flatgard, MDAH Board of Trustees president. “MDAH will benefit greatly from his expertise and dedication. We are thrilled to have him on our Board.”
A lifelong resident of the Pearl River community, Chief Ben has a 15-year record of public service and leadership to the Choctaw Tribal government, including eight years as the tribal council representative for the Pearl River community. He was elected as tribal chief in July 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He also served on the Mississippi State Flag Commission, which oversaw the selection of the new state flag that includes a symbol of native territory before statehood.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Whtie House Tribal Nations Summit Set for Dec. 9
Brennan Center for Justice Study Shows Native Americans Vote at Lower Rates Than Non-Natives
'More Than Just Food' | Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace Offers Native Ingredients, Meal Kits for Every Table
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
