A message from Chief Ben:

Halito, hello. I want to take this opportunity to share exciting news about a venture that we are about to undertake.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will enter into a partnership with the Cherokee and Seminole tribes on a luxury hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Although this is not an investment here on our Tribal lands, it is an opportunity for us, along with the other tribes, to diversify our business porfolio. This is yet another step in Choctaw self-determination. With this capital investment, our goal is to generate revenue to benefit the Tribe as a whole. As our Tribe grows, so should our business interests.

The name of the project will be DreamCatcher Hotel. It will be located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, a tourist destination that has flourished even amidst the Covid 19 pandemic. As we move past the trials of the past year, we feel this is an ideal approach in diversifying our business interests and expanding our economy.

The 200-room hotel is scheduled to begin construction this fall and open in 2023.

Additional details of the project will be released in the coming days, but I can tell you this will be an investment in which we can all have pride.

This decision has not been taken lightly. Much thought and effort has gone into formulating this partnership and plan, and we are very pleased to be able to share this great news with you today.

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Receives $450,000 Grant From W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Oct 22, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to assist the Tribe in building a community that is food-secure with equitable access to fresh and healthy foods. The grant will be used to...

MBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training to Tribal EmployeesMBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training

Sep 21, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in partnership with East Central Community College, is offering classes to Tribal employees that will allow them to obtain NCCER Certification. The National Center for Construction Education and Research...

Economic Development Director Encourages Those Thinking of Starting a New Business in 2020 or 2021

Sep 8, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Although the United States has seen a stagnant economy during much of 2020, the Director of Economic Development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians says this is actually an advantageous climate for starting a new business. Director John...

Choctaw Fresh Produce Provides Assistance to Tribe During COVID-19

Aug 17, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Choctaw Fresh Produce has stepped up to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering over 4,000 pounds of organic produce to Tribal members who were in quarantine. From May through July, the certified organic farm, which typically...

Mississippi Choctaws Receive Grant to Assist with Complete Broadband Coverage for Tribe

Jul 29, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently was awarded a grant from First Nations Development Institute in the amount of $15,000. The grant is part of the Building Digital Technology Capacity in Native American Communities Project. "This grant...

Mississippi Choctaws Offering Wi-Fi Access in all Tribal Schools

Jul 21, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- In an effort to provide better access to technology for its students, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is now offering Wi-Fi at all Tribal school locations. This includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school on Tribal...

“Beyond Blue” Launches Nationally – Tribe Investing in Video Games, Future

Jun 22, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has made an investment in the youth of the Tribe by becoming a financial partner in the recently released video game, Beyond Blue. The video game is available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Apple Arcade and was...

Mississippi Tribe Sees Opportunity in Luring Chinese Manufacturing

May 4, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss -- For many domestic companies, the coronavirus has exacerbated troubles they were already having manufacturing in China, after the U.S. levied large import tariffs last year on Chinese-made goods. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians sees there might...

Tips on Building Professional Skills During the COVID-19 Quarantine

Apr 27, 2020

CHOCTAW, Miss. -- As most Americans are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can bring a feeling of unease for many who are worried about the status of their jobs when restrictions are eased. However, this additional free time at home offers...