OKMULGEE – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held a quarterly session by teleconference and in-person at the Mound Building on Oct. 25.
The MCNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
Veto Message:
NCA 25-090 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending Article VI Section 2 (a) of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to establish term limits for National Council Representatives. The law was returned as a veto on Oct. 6. The veto was upheld 13-0.
The legislation would have limited National Council members to three terms, consecutively or non-consecutively. If the legislation had not been vetoed, it would have appeared as a constitutional amendment question on the ballot. The amendment would then have needed a two-thirds vote from voters to become adopted into law. NCA 25-105 is an identical bill that was voted on in the quarterly session. The only difference is that 25-105 does not contain a specific date of when the law would take effect.
Order of Business:
NCR 25-003 A resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council confirming Rebecca Landsberry-Baker to serve on the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 9-4. Representative Sandra Golden, Representative Anna Marshall, Representative Galen Cloud and Representative Darrell Proctor voted against the legislation.
Landsberry-Baker’s term will begin on Oct. 30 and will end on October 30, 2028.
TR 25-091 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Dean Hughes to serve on the College of the Muscogee Nation Board of Regents. The bill was sponsored by Anna Marshall, which was adopted 13-0.
Hughes’ term will expire on September 30, 2030.
TR 25-092 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant for the benefit of the Department of Housing. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-0.
If the Nation receives the $200,000 grant it will be leveraged with $391,363 from the Nation. According to the bill, the funds will be used to assist in low and very-low income American Indian/Alaskan Native homes.
TR 25-093 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for the interment of cultural objects and ancestral remains. Representative Cloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-0.
According to the bill, the MOU will allow the Nation to inter human remains in a location that is protected and preserved.
TR 25-094 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement among the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Historical Commission, The Chickasaw Nation, The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the University of Alabama, and concurring parties regarding the repair of Moundville Archeological Park, Moundville, Alabama. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-0.
The memorandum of agreement will allow FEMA to use Public Assistance funds to repair damages to Moundville Archeological Park. The damages were incurred from storms in 2020.
TR 25-097 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Travois, Inc., Travois Architecture Services, LLC, and Travois Asset Management, LLC for the 2025 Okemah Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project. Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 13-0.
According to the bill, the agreement will provide a “dispute resolution process” and possibly binding arbitration that would be conducted in Okmulgee.
TR 25-098 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the formation of the Okemah Rental Property II Limited Partnership, Execution of the Initial Limited Partnership Agreement, Agreement to lease, and all other application materials for the submission of a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Application to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for the benefit of Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 13-0.
According to the legislation, the partnership will allow the Nation to become a sole partner with Travois Initial LLC. Both will oversee the construction of the Okemah Rental Property II Project that will use funds from TR 25-059, which was adopted on July 26.
TR 25-099 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation allowing the principal chief to execute grant awards and cooperative agreements with general terms and conditions for Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the legislation, which was adopted unanimously 13-0.
According to the legislation all federally-funded awards must adhere to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements. The federal government may take legal remedies for failure to comply with federal statutes, regulation or the terms and conditions of a federal award.
TR 25-100 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the executive branch to prepare and submit grant applications to federal and state governmental agencies and private foundations for both FY 2026 and FY 2027 and authorizing the principal chief to execute all necessary grant documents. Rep. Barnett sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 13-0.
According to the legislation, federal and state agencies require the executive branch to apply grant funding as part of the application process that requires a tribal resolution passed by the council. However this will expedite the process for certain grant applications and funds.
TR 25-101 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the tribal software/technical standards regulations submitted by the Muscogee (Creek) nation public gaming commission. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 13-0.
According to the bill, software/technical standards regulations by a tribal resolution are required in accordance with MCNCA Title 21 2-101 (J). That law established the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Gaming Commission to perform regulatory oversight to comply with Tribal, federal and applicable state regulations.
TR 25-102 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Timothy Harjo to serve as the Secretary of Commerce for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was adopted 12-1. Rep. Barnett voted against the legislation.
Harjo’s term will end concurrently with Chief Hill’s term.
TR 25-103 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the Eastern Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Heath Care System and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Veterans Affairs Department to use facility space and support services for homeless veterans. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-0.
The MOA will allow the Nation and EOVACHS to utilize facility space and support services for homeless veterans. The programs will provide office space, and resources for veterans.
TR 25-104 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the transfer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation DME, LLC under Muscogee Nation Businesses, LLC. Rep. Barnett sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation DME, LLC provides medical supplies and durable medical equipment to citizens of the Nation and other health care consumers.
Representative Joyce Deere joined the meeting via teleconference call.
TR 25-105 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute final loan documents with BOK Financial Public Finance, Inc. outlining the terms and conditions for a loan made for healthcare construction and renovation projects. Rep. Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, this will be in reliance with TR 25-076, a bill that secured a credit facility in the principal amount of $185,000 to finance construction of new health clinics in Sapulpa and Holdenville.
TR 25-106 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute an engagement agreement for professional legal services with the Tax Law Firm of Kutak Rock LLP for legal services on behalf of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the Department of Health is seeking a tax opinion from Kutak Rock to secure a tax-free loan from Bank of Oklahoma.
TR 25-107 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing Tribal membership in the National Congress of American Indians. Rep. Hufft sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, $30,000 will be due in membership fees once the Nation joins in membership with NCAI.
NCA 24-077 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing the Mvskoke Technology and Innovation Park (“Mvskoke Tech Park”). The bill was sponsored by Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. and cosponsored by Rep. Hufft. The bill was voted to be postponed until the November Regular Session 14-0.
If adopted into law, it will designate part of the reservation as a hub for data centers. There was no discussion on the bill.
NCA 25-093 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families for the Benefit of the Center for Victim Services. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $2,331,370 grant will be used for the Center for Victim Services to conduct programs and activities for the Nation’s first domestic violence shelter and provide advocacy for victims and their families.
NCA 25-094 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the benefit of the Department of Education and Training. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $150,000 grant will be used to focus on literacy training to support the larger community and staff development. The two-year project will provide literacy and technology resources at the 25 community center library sites throughout the Muscogee Reservation. It will engage families, children, adults and elders.
NCA 25-095 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending Title 37, Chapter 2, Subchapter 2, entitled “Funds and Accounts” to establish the Muscogee Nation Department of Culture and Humanities Revolving Fund. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, this will allow the Department of Culture and Humanities to accept donations and honorariums offered to the department for language and cultural preservation purposes. The funds will be used for future culture and humanities-based projects.
NCA 25-096 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $55,555 grant will be used to improve the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild cervids and increase CWD surveillance and hunter participation in CWD management actions.
NCA 25-097 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of FY 23 Section 5311(c)(1) Tribal Formula Grant Operating Funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Transportation Program. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, this will allow the Nation to enter into an agreement with the Travois Entities to undertake the 2025 Okemah Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project.
NCA 25-098 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the benefit of the Office of Environmental Services. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $639,880 grant will be used to replace a main waterline in Beggs, Oklahoma.
NCA 25-099 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 24-151 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds for the Alternative Housing Program FY 2025 budget.) Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
The $2,461,580 appropriation will come from the Gaming Funding Account. The Alternative Housing Program helps citizens whose homes are not repairable.
NCA 25-101 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 23-153 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. environmental protection agency for the benefit of the Office of Environmental Services) Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $654,090 grant will be expended in addition to any supplemental grant funds received by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Fiscal Year 2024.
NCA 25-102 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 25-086 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 11, Chapter 3 entitled “Annual Funds for Building Costs, Economic Development, and Development of Chartered Communities”) Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
A total of $750,000 will be used to increase annual funding for the chartered communities.
NCA 25-103 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Veterans Affairs Services Office. Rep. Gouge sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, the $770,795 grant will be used for providing housing vouchers to eligible veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
NCA 25-104 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the chief to expend Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Third Party and 105L Lease Account Funds for payment of debt service relating to the credit agreement with an aggregate principal amount of up to $185,000,000 with BOK Financial Public Finance Inc., as administrative agent, to finance healthcare facility construction. Rep. Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
The principal amount was related to the financing and construction of new health clinics in Sapulpa and Holdenville and renovations of existing facilities.
NCA 25-105 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending article VI Section 2 (a) of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to establish term limits for National Council Representatives. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
An identical bill, NCA 25-090, was vetoed by Chief Hill. This amendment will appear in a special election as a ballot initiative. It will become effective February 1, 2026 if it is ratified by a two-thirds vote. A date for a special election has not yet been announced.
NCA 25-107 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the election board to conduct a special election during Fiscal Year 2026. Rep. Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
The funding source for the $345,943 appropriation was identified as the Gaming Funding Account. According to the bill, the appropriation will cover the costs of wages, precinct worker stipends, supplies, mileage, background checks, postage/shipping and legal services.
NCA 25-108 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing NCA 25-087, entitled “A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation by replacing “Muscogee” with the traditional spelling of “Mvskoke” and deleting the word “Creek” throughout the Constitution.” Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
According to the bill, time is needed to revise the statutory language restoring the traditional name “Mvskoke” without the expenditure of extensive cost, interfering with existing contractual rights or requiring federal approval.
NCA 25-109 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation by replacing “Muscogee” with the traditional spelling of “Mvskoke” and deleting the word “Creek” throughout the Constitution. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
The ballot form language appearing on NCA 25-109 that differs from NCA 25-087, which was repealed by NCA 25-109, reads in part “…including in the illustrated official Seal in Section 3 of Article 1 of the Constitution…” This language, changing “Muscogee” to “Mvskoke” on the seal, is the only difference between the two bills.
NCA 25-109 will appear as a ballot initiative during a special election and will need to be ratified by two-thirds of the vote. A special election has not yet been announced. If it is ratified, it will be effected into law January 1, 2028.
Other Business:
A proposed amendment to rules of procedures was approved 14-0. This amendment states that the council’s attorney must be present at all meetings and applicable committee meetings.
The November planning session was moved from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12. The November Regular Meeting is still scheduled for Nov. 15.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
