MVSKOKE RESERVATION- On Jan 16, the Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Preservation Committee held an online meeting. Passed legislation will go on to a full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
The committee approved $7,210 for the First Indian Baptist Church from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Emergency Assistance Grant.
The funds will go towards a new air conditioning unit.
TR 24-004 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a temporary operating permit with Warrior Fireworks for the operation of one temporary fireworks sales facility on tribal trust land passed with a vote of 3-1, with Representative Charles McHenry voting no. It was sponsored by Speaker Randall Hicks.
During discussion Speaker Hicks explained that this a renewal agreement for Michael Grim (Cherokee), the owner of Redtail Fireworks LLC. The stand is near the MCN Housing Department. Grim stated that he gives MCN employees a discount. The resolution will be in effect for three years.
TR 24-005 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending TR 19-076 (a tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TR 20-150, TR 21-080, TR 22-128, TR 22- 143, TR 22-150, TR 22-155, TR 22-170, TR 23-045, TR 23-066 and TR 23-096 passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Representative Anna Marshall.
This resolution amends previous legislation, TR 19-076, that suspended special appropriations and donations due to the River Spirit Casino and Resort’s closure in 2020. The resolution will be enacted if NCA 23-008 passes.
NCA 24-002 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $300,000 awarded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the benefit of the Geospatial Department passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Robyn Whitecloud.
The EPA grant awarded is the Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant. It is a three-year competitive grant that was awarded in 2023. The purpose of the grant is to collaborate with the environmental department on three different projects including recycling, compliance, and data governance. Most of the funding will go towards personnel and contracting. The project runs from October 2023 through September 2026.
NCA 24-003 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fiscal relief funding in the amount of $496,330 for improvements to a building on tribal property located in Holdenville, Oklahoma passed with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Representative Galen Cloud.
TR 22-100 authorized the purchase of property in Holdenville for governmental services in the southern regional area. During discussion it was stated the expenditure will benefit a health facility in addition to other governmental facilities and offices. The property is an old DHS building and will become a “mini-complex” according to MCN Tribal Administer Shane Houluby.
NCA 24-008 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation in the amount of $5,000 to Native American Link, INC passed to the BFJ committee with a vote of 4-0. It was sponsored by Rep Marshall.
Native Link, INC is a praise organization that is in need of food and lodging for a nine-day singing tour. Six MCN citizens need assistance to attend. The donation will go towards the six citizens.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
