The new leader of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians says he won't abide by the results of a non-binding referendum on an off-reservation casino in Jackson County.

Miko Beasley Denson said it will be up to the Choctaws to decide whether to proceed with the project, more than 200 miles from the reservation. "Choctaws will come first" his administration, he told WLBT-TV.

Denson was sworn in as Miko, or Chief, on Tuesday before more than 1,000 people. He vowed a top-to-bottom review of all the tribe's businesses, many of which were started by Phillip Martin, who served as chief for 28 years.

Martin had promised to abide by the results of the Jackson County referendum this November. But he had tried to receive federal approval to conduct Class II gaming at the off-reservation site without local input.

Get the Story:
Choctaw chief won't abide by casino vote (The Mississippi Press 7/11)
Denson inaugurated as Choctaw chief (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 7/11)
New Choctaw Indian Chief Sworn-In (WLBT-TV 7/10)