OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held a regular session in person on May 17 at the Mound Building.
The MCN National Council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-031 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Jason Nichols to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Board. The bill was sponsored by Representative Leonard Gouge and adopted 12-1. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. opposed the bill.
Nichols’ term will begin upon confirmation and end on June 1, 2030.
TR 25-033 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a real estate contract for the purchase of property in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. The bill was sponsored by Representative Robyn Whitecloud and adopted unanimously 13-0.
According to the bill, “the Muscogee (Creek) Nation intends to utilize the property to further expand on land use.”
TR 25-034 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an attorney-client agreement for legal services with the law firms of Fields Han Cunniff PLLC and Dicello Levitt LLP on behalf of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Harjo and adopted unanimously 13-0.
According to the bill, the Nation is seeking the legal services of Fields Han Cunniff and Dicello Levitt to assist in litigation against Meta Platforms Inc. Both firms have “significant experience with such matters and have previously represented the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.”
NCA 25-045 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Education, Tribal Education Department Grant for the benefit of the Eufaula Dormitory. The bill was sponsored by Representative Anna Marshall and was adopted unanimously 13-0.
The grant will expend $320,000 to the Eufaula Dormitory to purchase a custom-designed Student Information System Software, host a back-to-school dinner, train staff in de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches, purchase playground equipment and graduation garments as well as promote a wellness program. The grant will also integrate the Mvskoke language into dormitory signage, provide incentives for participation in Mvskoke language classes and provide stipends to Mvskoke language speakers. College preparation for students will also be funded by the grant. Students will be reimbursed for American College Test (ACT) fees and college application fees.
NCA 25-046 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Energy Program for energy assistance related services for Fiscal Year 2025. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marshall and adopted unanimously 13-0.
The $1,123,000 appropriation will provide additional funds to the program, which has seen an increase in applicants. It provides energy assistance and air conditioners to eligible applicants in need inside and outside of the MCN Reservation boundaries.
NCA 25-047 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 5, § 2-115 entitled “Funding”. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mark Randolph and adopted unanimously 13-0.
The amendment will include a subsection C to § 2-115, which will transfer $150,000 from the Ceremonial Ground Land Acquisition Assistance to Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant. The Ceremonial Ground and Church Grant will total $515,000. Subsection C will only apply to FY 2025.
NCA 25-048 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Agriculture for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation 2025 Summer EBT Program. The bill was sponsored by Representative Joyce C. Deere and was adopted unanimously 13-0.
The grant will award $12,600,000 to operate the 2025 Summer EBT Program that will serve 105,000 eligible children within the Nation’s reservation.
NCA 25-049 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the River Network Grant for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Randolph and adopted unanimously 13-0.
According to the bill, a total of $72,564 will be used to “promote sustainable land management and environmental education with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.”
NCA 25-050 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to be used toward the purchase of property located in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Whitecloud and was adopted 12-1. Representative Sandra Golden opposed the bill.
A total of $4,000,000 will be used to cover costs associated with the property including title insurance, title opinions, surveys, environmental studies and applicable taxes.
Other Business:
The Council changed dates in the 2025 Session Schedule. The August Planning Session changed to Aug. 19 and the Regular Session changed to Aug. 23
To view the full agenda, visit: www.mcnnc.com.
