Cheryl Smith

Christy Lewis Murphy has been married to Audy Murphy for thirty-two years, and we have one son Taylor.  In April 1999, I became employed with the Tribe as an assistant to the Tribal Chief.  I then transitioned to the Education Department where I was responsible for administering the Tribe’s incentive program and working with tribal children and adults pursuing higher education to meet the members’ education needs. I was awarded the first EPA grant for the Tribe so that we could establish an office within the administration.   In 2005,  I took over administering the Housing Department where my responsibilities included submitting numerous reports to governmental agencies, such as the Indian Housing Plan and Annual Performance Reports, and overseeing federal grant expenditures for the Department. I also worked within the Transportation Department in submitting reports to BIA. My work history also included working in the Human Resources department and providing oversight for all departments. I then began administering additional Tribal programs, which led to me being named Tribal Administrator with the added duties of a role in the investments and finances of the Tribe.

On July 27, 2004, I was appointed to the Tribal Council to fill an unexpired term.  I was elected to the Tribal Council for a four year term in 2006. I was honored to serve eighteen years as a Tribal Council member.  An election was held on October 24, 2026, I was appointed to another four year term in office.

is an enrolled member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, currently serving her first term on the Tribal Council. With a practical background in tribal administration and community infrastructure, she works alongside council leadership to protect tribal sovereignty, expand member services and preserve Choctaw culture for future generations.

Before taking office, Dakota established a proven record of public service as the Tribe's Housing Director. In that role, she directed vital residential programs, including HUD housing assistance, mobile home rentals and tribally owned properties, to secure safe, high-quality and affordable housing for citizens. To complement her administrative experience, she earned an Associate of Arts in Business Fundamentals from the University of Phoenix in November 2026.

Dakota draws inspiration from an ancestral lineage of skilled artisans. She is the great-granddaughter of Anderson and Rose Jackson Lewis and the daughter of traditional woodcarver William "Bill" Fisher. Honoring this legacy, she actively practices and preserves traditional Choctaw arts, with particular interests in chinaberry necklaces, beadwork, sewing, basket weaving, traditional medicines and Chukka restoration.

At home, Dakota shares a full life with her husband of 18 years, Jared Newton and their three children: Jaden, Sawyer and Karlyn. She especially cherishes her role as "Lala" to her nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Dakota considers serving the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians a profound honor and remains committed to building a prosperous future for all tribal citizens.

is a member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians and is currently serving his first term on the Tribal Council. A resident of Jena, Louisiana since 2000, he is a dedicated member of the community and father to his son, Kanyon Wright. Bryan's educational journey includes graduating from Converse High School in Sabine Parish, Louisiana in 1992 and later earning his Airframe and Power Plant License from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Kansas City, Kansas in 2006.

Bryan's commitment to serving the Jena Band extends beyond his current role on the Tribal Council. He has previously served on the Jena Band of Choctaw Indian Gaming Commission, holding the positions of Commissioner, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman. His experience also includes working as Gaming Director at Jena Choctaw Pines Casino, providing him with valuable insight into tribal operations and economic development.

Dedicated to the future of the Jena Band, Bryan is committed to preserving the Tribe's traditions, language, and lands. He recognizes the importance of improving healthcare and education, and promoting economic development that benefits the entire community. Bryan is driven to make a lasting positive impact during his time on the Tribal Council.

Jason Norris is a proud member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, currently serving his first term on the Tribal Council. He is deeply committed to preserving the Tribe's rich heritage and culture while serving all Tribal members with honesty and fairness. Jason's dedication to his community is rooted in a strong family legacy, as the son of former Chief Christine Norris, who served on Tribal Council for an impressive 43 years, including 8 years as Chief.

Beyond his commitment to the Jena Band, Jason has built a successful career spanning over 25 years as a Traffic Control Supervisor for Stars and Stripes Traffic Systems and Nations Services Company of Alexandria and Shreveport, Louisiana. In this role, he honed his skills in negotiation, securing contracts with federal, state, and local governments, as well as various corporations. His experience also includes collaborating with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Jason enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife of 27 years, Shannon Norris, who serves as the Tribal Member Benefits Director. They are proud parents to two children, Lane and Abby. In his leisure time, Jason pursues hobbies such as beading, fishing, and cheering on the Saints and LSU Tigers. He also finds joy in spending quality time with his family and actively participating in his church community. Jason considers it a great honor to serve the Jena Band and is dedicated to representing the best interests of the Tribe in all decision-making processes that shape its future.