OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Mvskoke Dome was the coolest place to be on Saturday, June 28, as Principal Chief David Hill and Second Chief Del Beaver held a meet and greet for Muscogee Nation Festival goers.
As the DJ spun funk, disco, and a bit of classic rock, Chief Hill and Second Chief Beaver made the rounds, welcoming everyone with a meal of pork steak with all the fixins and a stage full of giveaways.
When asked his favorite part of the festival, Chief Hill replied that it’s the citizens.
”Actually, just walking around meeting everyone. Just like the Meet and Greet here. I met people from North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Washington. And some of them it’s their first time coming, and that’s what amazes me. They just want to talk and they enjoy it,” Chief Hill said.
Second Chief Beaver echoed the sentiment of fellowship. “I get to see people that I haven’t seen in a long time. That’s the main thing. I just saw one of my friends that I see once a year, and it’s usually at this Festival. So, to me, that’s what I like most about it,” Chief Beaver said.
“That’s what makes it special is just the people. It’s not about the events. It’s about the people you know, it’s about us. As long as we’re here, eating right, having fun. That’s what it’s about, and everything else is just icing on the cake, you know?”
Chief Hill mentioned the various Native Nations and citizens that came out to celebrate with MCN.
“It takes all (the tribes) to work together. We’re only stronger if we work together. That’s what I’m looking forward to. It’s been great.“
Even as they enjoyed the moment Chief and Second Chief looked to the future.
“I just can’t wait till next year,” said Chief Hill. “Next year will be our 50th anniversary, so I’m looking forward to working on ways to make it bigger, you know?”
It’s a feeling Second Chief shares.
“I’m really looking forward to next year, to the 50th anniversary. You know, we’re gonna do it right next year. Like I said, as long as we’re still together, as long as we’re safe, as long as we have some food on the table. We’re doing good. We’re doing a lot better than most.”
