MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Thursday, April 16, the Business, Finance, and Justice Committee held an in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCR 26-002 A resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council declaring a vote of no confidence in certain justices of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court. Representative Lucian Tiger sponsored the legislation. It was cosponsored by Representatives Mary Crawford, Sandra Golden, William Lowe, Anna Marshall, and Darrell Proctor. It passed with a vote of 4-0.
If the resolution is passed by the full council, it will declare a vote of no confidence in Chief Justice Andrew Adams III, Vice Chief Justice Richard C. Lerblance, Justice Montie R. Deer, Justice Kathleen R. Supernaw, and Justice George Thompson Jr. The resolution claims these justices have violated their oath of office by amending the 1979 Mvskoke Constitution by striking “BY BLOOD” without an affirmative vote of the people.
During the discussion, Rep. Tiger argued that the Supreme Court did not follow the legal procedure for striking “BY BLOOD” outlined in the Mvskoke Constitution.
“It is clear there is not an individual body, the district court, or the supreme court that has the authority or ability to amend the Constitution without a vote of the people,” Rep. Tiger said.
TR 26-024 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Christopher Combs to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Gaming Commission. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
If the bill is adopted by the full council, Comb’s term will last until Sunday, June 30, 2030.
Referred legislation:
NCA 26-058 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to be used toward the purchase of property located in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The funding source was approved with a vote of 4-0. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored the bill, which passed in the Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Committee with a vote of 4-0.
The owner of this property is asking $475,000 for the purchase. The property is located at 4201 North Wood Drive, Okmulgee.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
