OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held a quarterly session by teleconference and in person at the Mound Building on Oct. 22.
The MCNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 24-118 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a service plan agreement with Alcon Vision, LLC, for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
Alcon Vision LLC is a technology and medical equipment company that provides optometry equipment and services.
TR 24-119 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to accept and execute a contract with Nihon Kohden for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Crawford sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
Nihon Kohden is a medical equipment supply company that provides a variety of medical equipment and supplies for all levels of medical care.
TR 24-120 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of agreement among the United States of America, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the town of Depew for the purpose of obtaining adequate wastewater disposal facilities for forty (40) Indian Homes located within the boundaries of the town. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide $507,150 in funds for the project. Additionally Depew will provide $1,568,000 for a total of $2,075,150 for the project.
TR 24-121 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of agreement among the United States of America, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the Okemah Utility Authority for the purpose of obtaining adequate wastewater disposal facilities for 721 Indian Homes located within the boundaries of the City of Okemah. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The EPA will provide $2,809,450 for the project, Okemah will provide $2,374,000. The total funding amount will come to $5,183,450.
TR 24-122 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the update of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Long Range Transportation Plan with the addition of the routes listed as Attachment “B” – MCN NTTFI 2025. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored the bill. It was unanimously adopted 15-0.
According to the bill, the council believes the addition of routes are “in the best interests of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to utilize the Nation’s share of the Tribal Transportation Program funds to assist the Nation with the cost of future road design, environmental, construction, maintenance and planning.”
TR 24-123 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation supporting the addition of new routes, as identified in Attachment “B” – MCN NTTFI 2025, to the Nation’s existing national tribal transportation facility inventory and requesting the Bureau of Indian Affairs add these new routes to the Nation’s national tribal transportation facility inventory. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the BIA’s website, the Tribal Transportation Program’s mission is to “provide safe and adequate transportation and public road access to and within Indian reservations in the Great Plains Region.”
TR 24-124 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of agreement and to apply for federal funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Transportation Bridge Program to fund bridge constructions with Wagoner, Tulsa, Creek, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Muskogee, McIntosh, Seminole and Hughes counties, and Bixby, Sapulpa and Glenpool cities, for sixty-one (61) bridge replacement projects. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the Nation’s Tribal Transportation Department has identified these bridges as being structurally deficient and a hazard to the traveling public.
TR 24-125 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Health Service for project OK 24-69I which will provide domestic water supply and adequate wastewater disposal facilities for 213 existing Native American owned homes in the city of Wetumka, Oklahoma. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
IHS will provide $2,537,971 for the project, the Nation will provide $1,245,579 and the EPA will provide $2,379,450 for a total of $6,579,500.
TR 24-126 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Health Service for Project OK 24-Y36 which will provide domestic water supply and adequate wastewater disposal facilities for 232 existing Native American owned homes in the City of Wetumka, Oklahoma. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The EPA will provide $1,322,950 for the project, the Nation will provide $1,413,000 for a total of $2735,950.
TR 24-127 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation supporting the update of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Long Range Transportation Plan with the addition of the route listed as attachment “C” – MCN NTTFI 2025. Rep. McHenry sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the council believes the addition of routes are “in the best interests of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to utilize the Nation’s share of the Tribal Transportation Program funds to assist the Nation with the cost of future road design, environmental, construction, maintenance and planning.”
TR 24-128 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation supporting the addition of new routes, as identified in attachment “C” – MCN NTTFI 2025, to the Nation’s existing National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory and requesting the Bureau of Indian Affairs add these new routes to the Nation’s National tribal transportation facility inventory. Rep. McHenry sponsored the bill. The bill was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, these new routes are eligible for inclusion in the Nation’s National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory.
TR 24-129 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a separate memorandum of understanding with the City of Glenpool for the maintenance of roadways and associated rights-of-way constructed or improved by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribal transportation program. Rep. McHenry sponsored the bill. The bill was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill the Nation and the City of Glenpool have memorialized their understanding regarding the construction of tribal transportation program routes.
NCA 24-096 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to amend article IV and article VI of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and to re-establish district voting. Rep. Proctor made a motion to adopt a substitute bill, which was adopted unanimously 15-0. Representative Darrell Proctor sponsored the bill, Rep. Marshall co sponsored it.
If signed by the Principal Chief the proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the ballot for the 2025 MCN Primary Election.
NCA 24-125 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families for the benefit of the Center for Victim Services. The bill was adopted unanimously 15-0. Rep. Crawford sponsored the bill.
The $1,515,235 grant will be used to support operations of the MCN’s first domestic violence shelter and provide advocacy and supportive services to victims and children.
NCA 24-126 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southern Region, R8 for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Realty Department. The bill was adopted unanimously 15-0. Rep. McHenry sponsored the bill.
The $20,000 grant will assist 16 landowners in clearing invasive trees and shrubbery from their property.
NCA 24-127 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing and appropriating funds. The bill was adopted unanimously 15-0. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored the bill.
The $500,000 grant will be matched with $125,000 through bill TR 24-065 and will assist in the Crutchmer low-rent housing project in Okmulgee.
NCA 24-128 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 Office of Environmental Services. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Cloud. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $396,500 grant will establish a stationary monitoring site which will be used to develop and grow the Office of Environmental Services’ knowledge and understanding of air quality and data management.
NCA 24-129 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fiscal relief funding for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Language Revitalization Program to create a guided language learning application with languages 4. It was sponsored by Rep. McHenry who made a motion to postpone the bill until the December session, which was unanimously approved by the council 15-0.
If adopted by the full council, the bill will expend $1,995,000 to pay for total development costs of the language application (2-3 years of development) and 15 years of service and licensing. According to the bill, it will be available on mobile devices and computer platforms.
NCA 24-130 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. It was sponsored by Rep. Cloud. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $89,020 grant will benefit the MCN Brownfields Program.
NCA 24-131 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. Rep. Cloud sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $683,333 grant will hire two additional staff. It will also archive additional documents and will help develop the framework for traditional ecological knowledge within the MCN.
NCA 24-132 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of funds for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Lighthorse Police Department for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Fiscal Year 2024 enhancing investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (EIP) initiative grant. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $500,000 grant will hire one investigator, purchase department equipment, and provide investigator training.
NCA 24-133 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families Tribal Child Support Enforcement Waiver Demonstration Project Grant for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Support. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $2,000,000 grant will be disbursed in yearly amounts over the course of five years. It will be used to develop a detailed program with input from tribal citizens with child support orders in the MCN IV-D program.
NCA 24-134 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs support for the Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program for the benefit of the Lighthorse Police Department. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $432,882 grant will enhance the Lighthorse Police Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) Program to where it can meet the needs of the Nation and address the issue of sex offenders not registering when entering tribal property. It will help protect Indigenous citizens, and the general public.
NCA 24-135 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice programs, Office for Victims of Crime FY 24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program Grant Award for the benefit of the Office of the Attorney General. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett and was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $441,989 grant will hire a victim advocate who will provide a variety of crime victim supportive services regarding court hearings, referrals, victim exams and emergency financial assistance.
NCA 24-136 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of funds for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Lighthorse Police Department for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services FY 2024 COPS Office Tribal Resources Grant Program – Equipment and Training. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $897,724 grant will cover travel costs for two employees to attend training and purchase 12 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe pursuit vehicles with accessory packages.
NCA 24-137 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Internal Revenue Service for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $2,300 grant will be used to provide assistance in preparing income tax returns for individuals 60 and older.
NCA 24-138 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $15,000 grant will be used to provide assistance for individuals who are 59 years old and younger.
NCA 24-139 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Relief Funding received from the United States Department of the Treasury for Indian Health Service Project OK 24-69I which will provide domestic water supply and adequate wastewater disposal facilities for 213 exiting Native American owned homes in the City of Wetumka, Oklahoma. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the $1,245,579 expenditure will provide “necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, and to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure” for Project OK 24-69I.
NCA 24-140 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Relief Funding received from the United States Department of the Treasury for Indian Health Service Project OK 24-Y36 which will provide domestic water supply and adequate wastewater disposal facilities for 232 existing Native American owned homes in the city of Wetumka, Oklahoma. The bill was sponsored by Thomasene Yahola Osborn. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the $1,413,000 expenditure will provide “necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, and to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure” for Project OK 24-Y36.
NCA 24-141 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 23-149 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received from the United States Department of the Treasury for the purchase of property located in Muskogee County, Oklahoma). The bill was sponsored by Rep. Barnett. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill, the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund disbursements need to be amended to meet 2024 disbursement amounts. An additional amount of $68,931,035.31 will be needed to meet the 2024 amount.
NCA 24-142 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation creating new law in MCNCA Title 30 Chapter 2, entitled “Legislative Districts” to name the Okmulgee District Boundary Jurisdiction to Okmulke District. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Whitecloud. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
According to the bill the Nation wishes to change the current name to incorporate the Muscogee language.
NCA 24-143 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fiscal Relief Funding for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Information Technology Department to purchase and install AV and Communications Equipment for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Mound Building Auditorium and Muscogee (Creek) National Council Chambers. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Gouge and was cosponsored by Rep. Cloud, Rep. Golden and Speaker Hicks. It was adopted unanimously 15-0.
The $340,614 expenditure will be used for physical and virtual facilities to be installed in the National Council Chambers to adapt government operations to the pandemic.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.