OKMULKE, Oklv. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s National Council held an emergency session at the Mound Building on Aug 28.
The council addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bill:
TR 24-104 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending TR 19-076 (A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TRS 20-105, 21-080, 22-128, 22-143, 22-150, 22-155, 22-170, 23-045, 23-066, 23-096, 24-005 and 24-095. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which was adopted 11-2. Representative Sandra Golden and Representative Darrell Proctor voted against the bill.
The bill was originally postponed from the Aug. 24 regular session. The legislation will add an amendment for a one-time donation to the ZOhaya Nation. There was no discussion on this legislation.
TR 24-107 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a programmatic agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers for historic preservation for the Keystone Dam Safety Modification Study. Rep. Darrell Proctor sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
MCN Cultural Resource Specialist Robin Soweka Jr. was present via teleconference call. He stated that the programmatic agreement is important for the Nation because it makes them a signatory, giving them the authority to amend or terminate the agreement when they feel necessary.
TR 24-108 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a service agreement for Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC and consent to the choice of Oklahoma Law to govern such agreement. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the legislation, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
According to the bill, the Nation is establishing the $20,168,057 fund in order to administer the MCN Department of Commerce’s state small business credit initiative program. The fund will be managed by Cimmaron Capital Associates II LLC.
NCA 24-095 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation to ZOhaya Nation for the ZOhaya Fest 2024. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted 12-2. Rep. Golden and Rep. Proctor voted against the bill.
The legislation was postponed from the Aug. 24 regular session. It will give a one-time $15,000 donation to the ZOhaya Nation for ZOyaha Fest 2024. A member of the ZOyaha tribe was present at the session and spoke about the importance of the culture festival. Rep. Golden asked about a generator used by the ZOhaya Nation during the festival for a cooling station. Although one is used during the festival, a generator has not yet been purchased for this event.
Rep. Harjo Sr. raised a concern about the ZOyaha Nation playing Stick Ball at the festival, due to it being a traditional game.
NCA 24-100 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving and authorizing the principal chief to execute and file the articles of organization with the office of the secretary of the nation to form “Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC” and “Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC” under the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Limited Liability Company Act; and approving the operating agreement for “Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC”; and approving a service agreement between “Muscogee Capital Fund LLC” and development Capital Network (DCN) to manage “Muscogee Capital Fund, LLC”; and approving the operating agreement for “Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC”; and approving a service agreement between “Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC” and Cimarron Capital Associates II, LLC (CCAII) to manage “Muscogee Equity Fund, LLC”. Rep. Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was sent back to the business, finance and justice committee 13-0.
Secretary of the Nation Zechariah Harjo spoke on what the fund is and how it will benefit the Nation. “It’s very significant and important for the commerce initiatives of the Nation,” Harjo said. He continued that organizing the fund has taken three years in the making and that it will essentially take federal funds and allocate them as business loans and equity investments.
NCA 24-101 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Commerce Small Business Support Revolving Fund in MCNCA Title 37 § 2-236. Rep. Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was sent back to the BFJ Committee 13-0.
If adopted, the revolving fund will be under the direction of the MCN Office of the Controller. There was no discussion on this piece of legislation.
NCA 24-102 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) local assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding (LATCF) received from the United States Department of Treasury for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Education and Training. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, which was unanimously adopted 13-0.
The $1,281,815 expenditure will cover the cost of MCN Employment and Training funding shortfalls for fiscal year 2024 and 2025. It will also cover a two semester-long internship for up to 10 Muscogee citizens enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Secretary of Education Kaila Harjo was present at the session and discussed the importance of how the bill will also support the summer youth wage increases.
NCA 24-103 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Labor for the benefit of the Veterans Affairs Services Office. Rep. Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 13-0.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Grover Wind was present at the session and spoke about what the funds from the bill will go toward. He stated that all the funds will be used to purchase items and services for homeless veterans.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
