MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On August 19, the Business, Finance and Justice/Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Joint Committee held an in-person meeting. All legislation passed through committee will be presented in the next session for full council approval unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-077 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a 2025 Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) grant application passed with a vote of 9-0. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored this legislation.
According to the bill, if approved for funding, the grant will help the MCN’s commitment to identification of potential energy and mineral assets on Tribal land, and align it with the values and missions of the BIA for the support of Tribal resource development.
NCA 25-077 A law of the MCN establishing the Mvskoke Technology and Innovation Park (“Mvskoke Tech Park”) passed with a vote of 8-1, Representative Robyn Whitecloud opposed. Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsored and Representative Robert Hufft co-sponsored this legislation.
The creation of the Mvskoke Technology and Innovation Park will be designated on tribal lands. According to the bill, MCN understands the importance of data centers, related digital infrastructure, software and technologies. MCN wants the reservation as a hub for data centers and such Tech Improvements. This will be able to attract private investment, grow MCN’s access to and ownership of Tech Improvements, create new revenue streams, and enhance workforce opportunities for tribal citizens.
For more information visit, www.mcnnc.com.
