OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Committee held a meeting in the Mound Building on June 12.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 23-054 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the construction of a new building known as the Housing Annex and Payment Center for the MCN department of housing and authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a contract with emeritus contractors. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored this legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the Regular Session.
The total for this new facility will be $1,000,000, using the CARES Act funds. This building will be able to house the accounts receivable clerks and the elderly housing administrative staff.
TR 23-067 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a temporary operating permit with Entertaining Angels for the operation of one temporary fireworks sales facility on tribal trust land. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored this legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the Regular Session.
According to the bill, this is a request from Entertaining Angels to be able to operate a temporary fireworks sales facility on tribal land. They are wanting to raise funds to be able to provide basic supplies and necessities for daily living for those that are less fortunate.
NCA 23-046 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing a new title 16, chapter 4, entitled “Culture and Humanities Department” and appropriating funds. Rep. Cloud with co-sponsors Representative Lenoard Gouge and Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which was postponed 4-0. This bill will be presented at the next Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation committee meeting.
MCN does have the authority to enact and implement a Cultural Resources Management Code applicable to Cultural Resources. This act is to help preserve, protect, and manage Cultural Resources.
NCA 23-047 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to create the Mvskoke Language Liaison Program. Rep. Cloud with co-sponsors Rep. Gouge and Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which was postponed 4-0. This bill will be presented at the next Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation committee meeting.
The program will consist of a multigenerational staff that hold the duties for serving liaisons between Mvskoke speakers and academic, cultural, and tribal institutions in an effort to preserve the Mvskoke language.
NCA 23-050 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) coronavirus aid, relief, and economic security (CARES) act for the construction of an Annex and Payment building for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing. Rep. McHenry sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the Regular Session.
MCN Department of Housing is in need of an Annex and Payment Center building due to the expansion of the department and the need to provide services for citizens. This act is to authorize the disbursement of grant funds awarded from the IHBG CARES Act to construct the Annex and Payment Center. The grant will expend $1,000,000 for the project.
NCA 23-051 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the FY 2024 Indian Housing Plan. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored this legislation, which passed 4-0. This will be presented to the full council at the Regular Session.
This act is to approve the FY 2023 Indian Housing Plan for submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The remaining IHBG funds will correlate with the current Indian Housing Plan.
For more information visit, www.mcnnc.com.
