Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMLUGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held Emergency Sessions Aug. 12 & 17 at the Mound Building Auditorium in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
During the Aug. 12 session the Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 21-119 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Application for Federal Inspection for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Meat Processing Facility. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0.
The Nation desires to have the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety & Inspection Service inspect the meat processing operations and the quality of its products. The Council must waive the Nation’s sovereign immunity as part of the application process.
TR 21-121 Confirming the nomination of Andrea James to serve on the MCN Election Board. Rep. Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsors the legislation. Rep. Thomasene Yahola Obsorn made a motion to return to the Health, Education and Welfare committee, the motion was adopted with a vote of 14-0.
The Principal Chief has nominated Andrea James to serve Position 5 on the MCN Election Board with the term to begin upon confirmation until May 31, 2026.
NCA 21-092 Authorizing an appropriation to the MCN Tourism and Recreation Department for the Fountainhead Golf Course. Rep. William Lowe sponsored the legislation. Rep. William Lowe made a motion to return to the Business, Finance and Justice committee, the motion was adopted 14-0.
Fountainhead Golf Course requested an appropriation in the amount of $27,300.00 to purchase a new tractor to maintain golf course operations.
NCA 21-093 Authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds received from the United States Department of the Treasury for the MCN Vaccine Incentive for tribal employees. Rep. Charles McHenry sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 10-4 with reps. Lucian Tiger III, Joseph Hicks, James Jennings and Adam Jones voting against the legislation.
The Nation wants to provide up to 1200 tribal employees a one-time incentive in the amount of $500.00 to each employee that has been fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021 in order to encourage those to protect themselves, their families and Muscogee (Creek) citizens.
Amended at lines 18 and 21 to add: “with the exception of gaming, health, and College of Muscogee Nation employees.” The amendment was adopted with a vote of 12-2 with reps. Jennings and Jones voted against the amendment.
A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Emergency Session meeting was held August 17 at the Mound Building Auditorium.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the regular session.
During the Aug. 17 session the Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 21-092 Authorizing an appropriation to the MCN Tourism and Recreation Department for the Fountainhead Golf Course. Rep. William Lowe sponsored the legislation, which was adopted, 14-0.
Fountainhead Golf Course requested an appropriation in the amount of $27,300.00 to purchase a new tractor to maintain golf course operations.
NCA 21-096 Amending NCA 21-093 (Authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds received from the United States Department of the Treasury for the MCN Vaccine Incentive for tribal employees) and authorizing an appropriation for the MCN Tribal Employee Vaccination Incentive. Rep. Lucian Tiger sponsors the legislation. Adopted as amended, 14-0.
NCA 21-093 authorized expenditure of ARPA funds for purpose of a vaccine incentive for employees.
The Council found that the legislation enacted on Aug. 12 needed to be amended to separate funding sources at the time of enactment because the Nation had received funds for citizens only.
On Aug 16, the Nation received additional ARPA funds, which were based on employment. Amendments were made through out the legislation making the adjustments due to new funding based on employment.
Full legislation and videos can be viewed at: www.mcnnc.com.
