OKMULGEE — A.D. Ellis, former two-term Principal Chief of the Muscogee Nation, died peacefully, on September 14, at his home on the Muscogee Reservation surrounded by loved ones. He was 90 years old. Ellis spent more than two decades in public service to the Muscogee Nation, including terms both as a National Council Representative and as Second Chief, before assuming the highest office in 2004 and again in 2008.
“This is a tremendous loss for the Muscogee Nation,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “Chief Ellis was a dedicated leader, a staunch defender of the Constitution, and a good man, who never saw himself above the employees or the citizens as Principal Chief. For me, he was a tremendous asset to speak to about holding this office and the weight it carries. We’re all going to miss him dearly.”
Chief Ellis’ two terms as Principal Chief were marked by milestone achievements that advanced the Nation into many of the standards enjoyed at MCN today, such as the development of the tribal transit system, a tribally-owned housing authority and the development of Muscogee land holdings along the Arkansas River, which paved the way for River Spirit Casino Resort. Ellis’ administrations were also marked by tense moments, with several court cases arising to settle matters of tribal law and the Muscogee Constitution. In an interview on his last days in his office with Mvskoke Media, Ellis remembered those times.
“I’m real happy that I can walk away from here and say that I followed the Constitution of this Nation,” Ellis said.
“And if we can’t follow it then we need to change it.”
Chief Ellis is survived by the former First Lady of the Muscogee Nation, his wife Gail, of the home and leaves behind several family, friends and loved ones. Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days. Principal Chief David Hill has ordered all Muscogee flags at tribal facilities to fly at half-staff in honor of Chief Ellis’ memory.
