OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) National Council held a quarterly session by teleconference and in person at the Mound Building on April 26.
The MCNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 25-026 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of Selina Jayne-Dornan to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Election Board. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the legislation, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
Jayne-Dornan will serve in Position 4 on the board. Her term will last until May 31, 2030.
TR 25-027 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving a revised temporary relocation policy for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored the bill, which was adopted 13-1. Representative Dode Barnett voted against the bill.
According to the bill, the Temporary Relocation Policy needs to be revised to best serve citizens and it needs to include information requested by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
TR 25-028 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation approving a revised rental property admission and occupancy policy for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Housing. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
According to the bill, the Rental Property Admission and Occupancy Policy needs to be revised to best serve citizens and needs to include information requested by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
TR 25-029 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the principal chief to submit a grant application to the Department of Energy, State and Community Energy Programs Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program for Indian Tribes. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
According to the bill, the Nation meets the eligibility criteria of 24 CFR 1003.5 and possesses the legal authority to apply for a Home Electrification and Rebates Program. A $750,000 resource match will be committed by the Nation through Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act funds.
TR 25-030 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation confirming the nomination of LuAnn Hudson to serve on the Mvskoke Loan Fund Board. Representative Nelson Harjo Sr. sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
Hudson’s term will not exceed three years beyond her date of confirmation.
NCA 25-038 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start Program. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
The MCN Head Start Program received a $4,237 grant that will be used to purchase gardening supplies to expand and enhance the Head Start garden project.
NCA 25-039 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the FHI 360 Walmart Racial Solidarity Grant for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Program. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
According to the bill, the $47,000 grant will be used to assist participating American Indian/Alaskan Native youth gain a deeper understanding of their cultural identity, realize their inherent value and role within their tribes and develop healthy coping mechanisms through engaging culturally-rooted outlets.
NCA 25-040 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing Title 19, entitled “Elections” and replacing it with a new Title 19, entitled “Elections Cokvsatkv”. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill, which was adopted as amended 14-0.
According to the bill, significant changes to Title 19 of the MCN Elections Code were submitted in order to establish a more comprehensive election code in its place.
NCA 25-041 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 24, Chapter 8, Subchapter 1. Entitled “Mortgage Down Payment and Closing Cost Program”, subsections §§ 8-103 and 8-104. Rep. Randolph sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
The law changes the code where tribal citizens eligible for mortgage assistance from the Nation must reside within the Nation’s jurisdictional boundaries. A credit review will also be required, applicants must have no accounts in collections. Ranking preference code has also been updated to the following: 4/4 Muscogee (Creek) family members in the household, Muscogee (Creek) families and applicants from other Indian Tribes.
NCA 25-042 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tax Commission for Fiscal Year 2025. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the bill, which was adopted 14-0.
NCA 25-043 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 14, Chapter 1, Subchapter 11, entitled “Insanity of Accused; Determination of Competence”. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
Revised language in the code states that the MCN Behavioral Health Department will strive to transform forensic mental health by partnering with communities, health systems, tribal departments, providers, courts, and law enforcement with the goal of providing better support to people living with mental illness who encounter the court system or law enforcement. The department will assist the council in the defense in a rational manner. If a defendant has not regained mental competency within a reasonable amount of time, they will be placed into custody of MCN Behavioral Health.
NCA 25-044 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation establishing a new Title 22, Chapter 11, entitled “Civil Commitment Act”. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was adopted unanimously 14-0.
According to the bill, in light of the United States Supreme Court’s McGirt Ruling, there is a need to establish a Civil Commitment Act to provide for the humane care and treatment of individuals with mental illness. The new code details mental health definitions, immunity and liability, and cooperative agreements with outside agencies.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
