(This article was revised to amend two factual errors. Sara Barnett is the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board Chair, not an employee. The new campaign finance code does not restrict campaign donations to be exclusively contributed by MCN citizens, businesses, corporations or organizations which are majority owned by a MCN citizen. It was updated where 51% of overall campaign donations must come from the aforementioned sources.)
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Regular Session meeting was held in person and via teleconference on March 25 at the Mound Building. All passed legislation is subject to Full Council approval during the Regular Session held the last Saturday of each month.
The National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 23-025 A MCN tribal resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a service agreement with Bio-Medical Applications of Oklahoma, Inc. for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The contract will help improve patient treatment and access to health services for in-patient dialysis treatment.
TR 23-027 A MCN resolution authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a MCN Dept. of Housing contract with Harris Contractors. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The MCN Dept. of Housing is requesting approval for a contract with Harris Contractors to construct five homes for the Dept. of Housing. The cost for the work on the five homes is a total of $969,762.
TR 23-028 A MCN resolution approving the Tribal Internal Control Standards submitted by the MCN Public Gaming Commission. Representative Randall Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The commission performs regulatory oversight and monitors compliance with tribal, federal, and applicable state regulations. The commission submits the Administrative Rulemaking Standard in accordance with MCNCA Title 21 2-101.
TR 23-029 A MCN resolution authorizing commitment for matching funds in collaboration with the State of Oklahoma for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tribal Cooperation Grant program. Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
There are multiple projects that need to be taken care of across the Nation’s boundaries. The State of Oklahoma gave the Muscogee Nation $6,750,000. The tribe will match the $6,750,000, Indian Health Services will donate $3,100,000, and $4,000,000 coming from the Oklahoma Water Resource Association, Wagoner and Mayes Counties, as well as the City of Beggs will go to infrastructure funds for 10 projects. The infrastructure funds are tripled for a total of $20,600,000. The projects include dam repairs, water issues, wastewater management and more. These projects were selected based on what was in the IHS system with funding already available to maximize it.
NCA 23-018 A MCN Law establishing a new Title 28, Chapter 13, entitled “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Land Referral Services”. Rep. Cloud sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The MCN provides legal assistance to enrolled citizens for land services. There is a need to reorganize the process and create the Land Referral Services area for citizens to receive assistance to establish clear title, alleviate trespass and protect assets of the citizens, traditional churches, ceremonial grounds, and the Nation.
The new law will be codified in the MCN Code of Laws, Title 28, Chapter 13.
NCA 23-019 A MCN law authorizing an appropriation for the MCN Realty Land Referral Services. Rep. Cloud sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The legislation is seeking a funding source. Acting Controller Patricia Killian determined the Interest on the Permanent fund as the source.
NCA 23-021 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. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
The VITA grant was awarded in the amount of $10,000.
NCA 23-022 Amending MCNCA Title 19, Chapter 2, Entitled “Organization of Election Board and Precinct Election Committees,” Chapter 10, entitled “Absentee Voting” and Chapter 15, Entitled “Campaign Finance Code.” Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the legislation, which passed 15-0.
According to MCN Election Board Chair Sara Barnett, the code was modified to simplify language. The absentee ballots were extended from 20 to 30 days, and priority mail can be used. The campaign finance code was updated where 51% of overall campaign donations must come from MCN citizens, businesses, corporations or organizations which are majority owned by a MCN citizen. Election board members’ stipends were increased from one payment to a payment for each event that a board member attends and helps with.
Rep. Marshall took time to recognize Women’s History Month and all Mvskoke hoktvke past and present for “their strength, endurance, resilience and courage”.
Muscogee leadership attended the 209th anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Chief David Hill, Second Chief Del Beaver, Council members and Horseshoe Bend Park Ranger shared a few words about being on original Mvskoke lands in Alabama.
For full videos of committee meetings, visit www.mcnnc.com.
