Lani Hansen/Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance and Justice Committee meeting was held Nov. 8 via teleconference.
All passed legislation will go before the full Council during the regular session Nov. 20.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 21-153 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the United States Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The United States Department of Justice seeks to work with MCN by providing an Assistant United States Attorney to prosecute crimes occurring within the MCN Reservation in federal or tribal court.
The MCN Department of Justice will allow the Assistant United States Attorney use of the Office of the Attorney General offices, conference rooms and library facilities and equipment.
TR 21-154 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of understanding between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Harder for the purpose of supporting the Department of Justice efforts to keep tribal communities safe. Rep. Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
U.S. DOJ seeks to work with MCN by providing an Assistant United States Attorney to prosecute crimes occurring within the MCN Reservation in federal or tribal court.
The MCN Department of Justice will allow the Assistant United States Attorney use of the Office of the Attorney General offices, conference rooms and library facilities and equipment.
TR 21-156 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a service agreement between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Morris Police Department for the purpose of providing Geosafe Mobile Services to the Morris Police Department. Rep. William Lowe sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
MCN is entering into a service agreement with Geosafe for the purpose of allowing users to view 911 call information.
Morris PD and the Nation have agreed in principle to an amount of reimbursement for providing the services up to fifteen units of Geosafe to the Morris PD.
TR 21-158 To uphold and enforce the official name and seal of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Adam Jones III sponsored the resolution, which was postponed for a month with a vote of 3-1 with Jones voting no on postponement.
The name of this tribe of Muscogee (Creek) people shall be the “Muscogee (Creek) Nation”, and is hereby organized under Section 3 of the Act of June 26, 1936 (48 Sta. 1967.)
The official URL of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation shall be www.mcn-nsn.gov. No other name, seal or likeness shall be used without an amendment to the MCN Constitution.
TR 21-159 Confirming the nomination of Lisa Otipoby-Herbert to serve as the Chief Judge of the District Trial Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The laws of the MCN require the appointment of a Chief Judge by the Principal Chief with confirmation by the NC.
Upon confirmation of the full Council, Lisa Otipoby-Herbert will serve as the Chief Judge for the MCN Trial Court until December 31, 2027.
NCA 21-113 Amending MCNCA Title 31 Chapter 3, Subchapter 10 entitled “Sexual Harassment Prohibited.” Rep. Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the resolution, which passed 3-0. Rep. Hufft was absent during the vote.
This amendment shall be codified in Title 37, Chapter 3, Subchapter 10 of the Code of Laws of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
“Prohibition. Sexual Harassment is unlawful. The MCN does not tolerate Sexual Harassment in any form. Anyone found to have sexually harassed another person will be subject to a written apology and disciplinary action up to and/or including termination.
Sexual Harassment may include but is not restricted to using of one’s position of power/authority in the form of quid pro quo and other forms.”
NCA 21-123 Amending MCNCA Title 36, Chapter 3, entitled “Motor Vehicle Tax and License Code.” Rep. Travis Scott sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
Updating by adding handicapped placard, black tags and junk vehicles. Insurance and liabilities amounts have changed. Tax Commission wanted to add clan tags and designer tags.
The amendment would also allow Muscogee (Creek) citizens who reside outside the territorial jurisdiction of the MCN to be eligible to apply for registration of an eligible vehicle under this Chapter as a non0resident and by signing an acknowledgement form to be promulgated by the MCN Tax Commission affirming the status of the citizen as a non-resident.
NCA 21-124 Authorizing the expenditure of the 2021 Native American Agriculture Fund Grant for the benefit of the Mvskoke Loan Fund. Rep. Jones sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Mvskoke Loan Fund was awarded the 2021 Native American Agriculture Fund Grant in the amount of $200,000.00.
The funds will be used to provide the capital necessary for MLF to continue to provide services and resources necessary for Native farmers and ranchers to improve access to credit and successfully grow their agriculture and/or agribusiness.
NCA 21-125 Amending NCA 21-104 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving a continuing budget ordinance and providing for appropriations and authorization for expenditures for FY 2022) as amended by NCA 21-108. Rep. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Nation is requesting funds for Murrow Indian Children’s Home, Lighthorse Contractual line item, Tax Commission and debt services are needing 100% of funding that was approved in FY 2021.
Section 3-102 under Tribal Funds changes made from 50% to 100% of the FY 2022, Murrow Indian Children’s Home shall be funded at 100% and the Debt Service shall be funded at 100%.
Lighthorse Police Department contractual line item, Tax Commission and the National Council shall be funded at 100% of the FY 2021 approved Comprehensive Annual Budget.
NCA 21-126 Authorizing an appropriation to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department for jail fees. Rep. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The Lighthorse Police Department is requesting an appropriation in the amount of $627,000.00 for the remaining August and September jail invoices.
NCA 21-127 Authorizing the expenditure of funds from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance for the FY 2022 Special Assistance United States Attorney Program fund grant to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Justice. Rep. Hufft sponsored the resolution, which passed 4-0.
The MCN Department of Justice has applied for funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the amount of $500,000.00.
The grant funds will be used to hire a prosecutor that will be cross designated as a tribal Special Assistance United States Attorney to enhance the capacity of the MCN to the precipitous increase in cases associated with the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision.
NCA 21-133 Amending Article IX of the Constitutional of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, adding Section 2, entitled “Constitutional Convention.” Rep. Jones sponsored the resolution, which failed 1-3. Reps. Scott, Freeman and Hufft voted against the amendment.
The Constitutional Convention last convened on Nov. 7, 2008. It was presented to the delegation of the Constitutional Convention, where it was voted to be placed on the ballot for a referendum vote, and thereafter was ratified by referendum on Nov. 7, 2009 by a vote of 1,350 yes to 998 no.
A Constitutional Convention shall be convened not less than every ten years, and may be convened earlier as necessary by an initiative petition of 100 eligible voters or more.
For video of committee meetings and full legislation, visit: www.mcnnc.com.
