MVSKOKE RESERVATION – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held a quarterly session in person on Jan 27.
The MCN National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 24-001 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Green Country Technology Center on behalf of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Department. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The MOU will provide fiber lineman construction training courses to citizens that will enable them to become accredited and certified in their field.
TR 24-002 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an engagement letter for legal services between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tax Commission and Pipestem Law, P.C. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the bill, which returned to committee by unanimous vote 15-0.
According to Rep. Golden, the bill was sent back to committee in order to ask MCN Tax Commissioner Mary Mashunkashey to ask further questions. If adopted, the bill will provide the tax commission with legal services pertaining to litigation, tax codes, enforcement of applicable tax laws and advising tax strategy.
TR 24-003 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creeek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute FY 2022, 2023, and 2024 105(1) Renewal Lease Agreements with the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Office. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, which was unanimously adopted 15-0.
According to the bill, the renewal lease will offset tribal expenses incurred in the delivery of the aid to the tribal government, specifically “member services” for the aforementioned fiscal years.
TR 24-004 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a temporary operating permit with Red Tail Fireworks L.L.C. for the operation of one temporary fireworks sales facility on tribal trust land. Speaker Randall Hicks sponsored the bill, which was unanimously adopted 15-0.
According to the bill, Red Tail Fireworks L.L.C will pay the nation $1,000 to have the first right of refusal to lease the property at a fair rate for the next three years (2024-2026).
TR 24-005 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending TR 19-0976 (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. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-2.
TR 19-076 suspended all special appropriations and donations. This bill will amend TR 19-076 to allow for a one-time donation to Native American LINK, Inc.
TR 24-001 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of Family Voices MCHB unwinding project grant for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Community and Human Services. Representative Mary Crawford supported the bill, which was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the $8,500 grant will allow the department to participate in a full needs assessment about support to help families navigate the end of the public health emergency and the process of Medicaid redeterminations. It will allow the department to distribute materials to the community, participate in webinars, focus group sessions and outreach efforts.
NCA 24-002 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 Geospatial Department. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the $300,000 grant will support the exchange network by enhancing technology that will facilitate electronic collection, reporting, exchange sharing and data integration.
NCA 24-003 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fiscal relief funding for improvements to a building on tribal property located in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted near unanimously 14-1.
The $496,330 expenditure will go toward improving governmental services to citizens in the southern regional area who were disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
NCA 24-004 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. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the quarterly session agenda the bill will expend $10,000 in grant funds.
NCA 24-005 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fiscal relief funding for the installation and optimization of broadband and communications tower equipment located within Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill. Rep. Whitecloud co-sponsored the bill. The bill was adopted by a margin of 9-6.
Rep. Whitecloud and Representative Dode Barnett called for a motion to postpone the bill, which failed. Opposition to the bill revolved around the argument that the equipment could not be installed on land that was not owned or leased by the Nation.
The bill will expend $1,392,000 in ARPA funds that will purchase and install radio and broadband equipment. According to the bill it will increase public access to wireless internet services within the surrounding region.
NCA 24-007 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation creating a new law in MCNCA Title 30 Chapter 2, entitled “Legislative Districts” to name the Wagoner/Roger/Mayes District Boundary Jurisdiction to Kowetv District. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The name change will honor the second tribe of the lower Creeks. Kowetv was a Tribal Town and one of the four Mother Towns of the Mvskoke Confederacy. The council believes the district’s new name is necessary because it will reflect the name of a historically significant Tribal Town. Wagoner/Rogers/Mayes reflects the Oklahoma counties the district area resides in and does not hold historical significance to the MCN.
NCA 24-008 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation to Native American LINK, Inc. Rep. Marshall sponsored the bill, which was adopted by a margin of 13-2.
The bill will expend $5,000 in funds to go toward the praise choir. According to the bill, the organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is composed of several Muscogee (Creek) citizens. Their mission is to help women grow spiritually, strengthen family life and contribute to cultural preservation.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.