OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held the Business, Finance and Justice Committee session on June 12.
Passed legislation is subject to full council approval during the regular session.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-045 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to submit a grant application to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Safeguarding Tomorrow revolving loan fund program for the benefit of the Mvskoke Loan Fund. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Sandra Golden.
The legislation authorizes the Principal Chief to submit a $9 million grant proposal to the US DHS for loans to be used for hazard mitigation projects within the MCN Reservation and commits $900,000 from National Council for a leveraged resource.
TR 25-046 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Barry W. Brandon to serve on the Public Gaming Commission. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Patrick Freeman, Jr.
The legislation confirms Barry W. Brandon as the nominee who, by MCN law, can be appointed and confirmed by the National Council to the Public Gaming Commission.
TR 25-047 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) Board of Directors to execute the third amendment to the Aristocrat master equipment lease agreement. Legislation passed 4-0.The legislation was sponsored by Representative Robert Hufft.
The legislation will extend the Aristocrat master agreement for three years until 2029 and add the new properties at Eufaula and Coweta.
TR 25-048 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) board of directors to execute the Aristocrat minimum obligation agreement. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Hufft.
The legislation will add the new properties at Eufaula and Coweta to the Aristocrat minimum obligation agreement.
TR 25-049 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) board of directors to execute the third amendment to the Aristocrat master gaming device purchase and lease agreement. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Hufft.
The legislation will add the new properties at Eufaula and Coweta to the Aristocrat master gaming device purchase and lease agreement.
TR 25-050 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC (MNGE) Board of Directors to transfer certain real property to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Hufft.
The legislation authorizes the MNGE Board of Directors to transfer ownership of a parcel property to MCN for future development.
TR 25-052 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the terms of settlement and authorizing the Principal Chief to execute settlement agreement documents to resolve litigation claims against the City of Tulsa and Tulsa City officials. Legislation passed 4-0. It was sponsored by Rep. Huft.
The litigation remains pending; however, the attorneys for the Nation and the Tulsa defendants have been meeting to negotiate a possible settlement.
NCA 25-053 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation. Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Dode Barnett.
The legislation authorizes the Office of the Secretary of the Nation to purchase server HDDs, memory expansion and office supplies for the MCN Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program utilizing $10,000 from The Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition VITA Grant.
NCA 25-054 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending title 14, entitled “Crimes and Punishments.” Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Barnett.
The legislation would allow MCN to pursue Obstruction of Justice and Assault of Tribal Justice Personnel charges when Tribal Justice Personnel are obstructed from, or assaulted during, the performance of their duties under MCN law. The amendment also allows for more effective prosecution under the Violence Against Women Act.
NCA 25-055 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending title 14, 2-344, entitled “Forfeitures.” Legislation passed 4-0. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Barnett.
The legislation amends Title 14, § 2-344 and allows the court to impose forfeiture of any property used in or bought with profits from violations of the laws of MCN when accepting a plea of guilty or no contest.
Other Business:
NCA 24-100 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the Principal Chief to execute and file the articles of organization with the office of the Secretary of the Nation to form Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC and Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC under the Muscogee (Creek) Nation limited liability company act: and approving the operating agreement for Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC; and approving a service agreement between Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC and Development Capital Network (DCN) to manage Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC and approving the operating agreement for Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC; and approving a service agreement between Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC and Cimarron Capital Associates II, LLC (CCAII) to manage Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC.
Secretary of the Nation Zechariah Harjo updated the MCNNC on the Muscogee Nation Capital Fund, which launched May 27. Harjo shared that the program, which allows for small business loans to Mvskoke citizens including those beyond the reservation, was slated to be available earlier, but was pushed back due to Trump Administration Executive Orders.
Fountainhead Golf Course was on the agenda but will instead be discussed in a work group when all participants are available. Rep. Barnett requested a more detailed business plan for the course.
MNGE briefed the committee on the monthly report. The results of an audit performed due to address security issues were also discussed. Mvskoke Media has requested a copy of the report.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
