MVSKOKE RESERVATION – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held a Regular Session in person on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Mound Building.
The MCN National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCR 26-001 A resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council approving the service contract agreement between the Muscogee (Creek) National Council and Soaring Bird Solutions LLC. Representative Lucian Tiger III sponsored the legislation. It was cosponsored by Representatives Mary Crawford, James Factor, Sandra Golden, William Lowe, Anna Marshall, Cody Phillips, and Darrell Proctor. The legislation was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, Soaring Bird Solutions LLC will provide a “comprehensive compensation evaluation” and a report of the compensation paid to National Council members.
TR 26-006 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an assurance of continuing support of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) Tribal Family Assistance Plan (TFAP) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Representative Thomasene Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the program will focus on developing a centralized Tribal TFAP office.
TR 26-007 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the absentee workers for the 2026 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Special Election. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored the bill, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, a total of eight absentee workers and two alternates will work the 2026 special election.
TR 26-008 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving the early in-person voting sites for the 2026 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Special Election. Rep. McHenry sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the approved voting sites are the Eufaula Indian Community Center, the Tulsa Indian Community Center, the Okemah Indian Community Center, and the Okmulgee Indian Community Center.
TR 26-009 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Andrea James to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board. Representative Lora Harjo-King sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 13-2. Rep. Golden and Rep. Marshall voted no on the legislation.
According to the legislation, James’ term will end on May 31, 2031.
TR 26-010 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a separate memorandum of agreement with the City of Checotah, McIntosh County, State of Oklahoma, for the maintenance of roadways and associated rights-of-way constructed or improved by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Transportation Program. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the City of Checotah, McIntosh County, and the State of Oklahoma will be responsible for maintaining each of the aforementioned Tribal Transportation Program routes.
TR 26-011 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an updated compact of self-governance and a multiyear funding agreement between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Secretary of the Interior. Representative Dode Barnett sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the updated compact will allow the Nation to redesign programs, services, functions, and activities (PFSA). It will allow the Nation to reallocate funds and determine what is a tribal priority. It will enhance the long-term financial stability of the Tribal government and include fire protection as part of justice services.
TR 26-012 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a memorandum of agreement with the City of Beggs detailing the roles, responsibilities, and funding arrangements for the Beggs Main Water Line Replacement Project. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the funds from the arrangement will be used for the Beggs Main Water Line project. It will replace cast-iron water lines with PVC water lines for the City of Beggs’ drinking water treatment plant.
TR 26-013 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Nalani Ching to serve as a district trial judge for the criminal law division of the district trial court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Factor sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 14-0. The adoption of this legislation required a ⅔ vote of the full council. Rep. Whitecloud was not in her seat at the time of the vote.
According to the legislation, Ching’s term will end on December 31, 2030.
NCA 26-023 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health-Special Diabetes Program. For Indian Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Projects. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $2,250,743 in grant funds will be expended for diabetes treatment and prevention.
NCA 26-024 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Indian Health Service, Native Public Health Resilience Planning Fund Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $200,000 will be used to develop a Public Health Program that is practicable with the ten Essential Public Health Services (EPSS) by the Nation’s Department of Health.
NCA 26-025 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Indian Health Service, HIV/HCV/Syphilis Epidemic Project Grant. Rep. Harjo-King sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $186,507 in grant funds will be used to combat the HIV/HCV/Syphilis epidemic.
NCA 26-026 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the revision due to cumulative funding awarded from the pass-thru entity Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB), funded by the Center of State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (CSTLTS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $180,000 in grant funds will be used to develop public health programs that address the drug overdose crisis.
NCA 26-027 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Prevention, Strengthening Public Health Systems in Indian Country Grant. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $1,040,000 will be used to improve the overall infrastructure of the Nation’s Tribal public health system.
NCA 26-028 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for medication-assisted treatment-prescription drug, and opioid addiction. Rep. Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $1,050,000 in grant funds will be used to increase access to medication-assisted services for people with opioid abuse disorders.
NCA 26-029 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board and the Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, $145,000 in grant funds will be used to manage, prevent, and treat chronic diseases.
NCA 26-030 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to amend Article VII of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation regarding supreme court justices. Representative Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 12-3. The adoption of this legislation required a ⅔ vote of the full council. Rep. Barnett, Rep. Osborn, and Rep. Whitecloud voted no on the legislation.
Under the legislation, if any Supreme Court Justice recuses themselves from a case, a Special Justice will be appointed to ensure that seven Justices hear each case. During the discussion, Rep. Barnett explained that she could not vote yes on this legislation because there was already a mechanism for the appointment of Tribal Supreme Court Justices. She further explained that she believes this would allow the National Council to appoint Special Justices in certain cases that would affect their outcomes. This legislation will appear as a question on the ballot in the 2026 Special Election.
NCA 26-031 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to amend Article IX of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation regarding special elections. Rep. Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0. The adoption of this legislation required a ⅔ vote of the full council.
According to the legislation, the Principal Chief may call a Special Election, and it may be combined with a General Election if the constitutional ordinance is enacted at least 90 days prior to that election. This legislation will appear as a question on the ballot in the 2026 Special Election.
NCA 26-032 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing MCNCA Title 16, § 2-103 entitled, “Evaluation Committee.” Rep. Tiger sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, MCNCA Title 16, § 2-103, does not allow a third-party entity to submit Council evaluations for compensation and comparisons for the Principal Chief and the Second Chief.
NCA 26-033 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14, § 2-114 entitled “Supplemental Crimes Act.” Rep. Lowe sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the code on fines and classifications on criminal acts will be updated.
NCA 26-034 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14, § 3-1304 entitled “Persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances or combination thereof.” Rep. Lowe sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the law, the code on DUI fines and punishment will be updated.
NCA 26-036 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 31 Chapter 2 entitled “Homage to deceased officials.” Rep. Osborn sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 15-0.
According to the legislation, the National Council will include in its budget line items for 12 outdoor Muscogee (Creek) Nation flags. These flags will go to surviving spouses or children of deceased MCN officials.
NCA 26-037 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending article V Section 1 (a) and (c) of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Rep. Tiger sponsored the bill, which failed 9-6. The adoption of this legislation required a ⅔ vote of the full council. Rep. Barnett, Rep. Factor, Rep. Harjo-King, Rep. McHenry, Rep. Whitecloud, and Rep. Osborn voted no on the legislation.
If adopted, the legislation would have increased the term limits for the Principal Chief and Second Chief from two terms to three. Rep. Tiger argued that this legislation was necessary to be consistent with the National Council’s term limits. Current MCN Principal Chief David Hill said that if the Constitution needs to be changed, it is up to the will of the people. Current MCN Second Chief Del Beaver said it was not fair to future candidates running for Second Chief if the law was adopted.
NCA 26-038 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending NCA 25-105 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending article VI Section 2 (a) of the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to establish term limits for National Council Representatives). Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted 15-0. The adoption of this legislation required a ⅔ vote of the full council.
According to the legislation, National Council representatives will be limited to a total of three terms, consecutive or non-consecutive, beginning in January 2028. This legislation will appear as a question on the ballot in the 2026 Special Election.
To view the full agenda, visit www.mcnnc.com.
