Choctaw Indians break ground for new retail complex

BOGUE CHITTO — The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Big Creek General Store Sept. 22 in Bogue Chitto.

The 5,200-square-foot retail facility will include a general store, fuel center, bait shop, laundromat, fitness center, ATM and a satellite first responder’s office to house security, police and emergency personnel. The center will also have a back-up generator to serve the community as an emergency center in times of need.

“Our goal with this establishment is to bring as many conveniences to the community as economically possible while creating opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs,” stated Tribal Chief Phyliss J. Anderson.

Construction for the facility will be managed and completed by IKBI Inc. and Choctaw Electrical, both tribally-owned enterprises of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The Big Creek General Store is scheduled to open in December.