MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Aug. 20, the Health, Education, and Wellness committee and the Land, Natural Resources, and Cultural Resources committee held a joint meeting in person. Passed legislation will go on to full council, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 24-103 A tribal resolution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the construction of a Muscogee (Creek) Nation walking trail located at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Okemah Health Center passed with a vote of 7-0. It was sponsored by Representative Randall Hicks and co-sponsored by Representative Sandra Golden.
The proposed walking trail will be half a mile and the construction project will include a parking lot. The estimated cost of the project is $350,000. Federal transportation funds will be used to complete the project, and the MCN will provide labor, equipment, and materials. The walking trail concept began 7-8 years ago in support of the Diabetes Program according to Rep. Hicks during discussion.
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 20-150, 21-080, 22-128, 22-143, 22-150, 22-155, 22-170, 23-045, 23-066, 23-096, 24-005 and 24-095 passed with a vote of 6-1. Representative Darrell Proctor voted against the bill. It was sponsored by Representative Mark Randolph.
TR 19-076 suspended all MCN special appropriations in 2019 due to the closure of River Spirit Casino during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This resolution, paired with NCA 24-095 below, allows a one-time special appropriation to cover the costs of Zoyaha Fest 2024 for the Zoyaha Nation. There was no discussion on this legislation.
NCA 24-095 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a donation in the amount of $15,000 to Zoyaha Nation for the Zoyaha Fest 2024 passed with a vote of 5-2. Rep. Proctor and Representative Anna Marshall voted against the bill. It was sponsored by Rep. Randolph.
The Zoyaha Nation is holding the third annual Zoyaha Fest to celebrate Euchee culture, language, and identity. The festival will occur Sept. 14 in Tvlse, Oklv. The money requested will assist with expenses that include activities and bouncy houses.
NCA 24-097 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $438,870 awarded from the U.S. Department of Labor for the calendar year 2024 Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) passed with a vote of 7-0. It was sponsored by Representative Leonard Gouge.
The Veterans Affairs Service Office was awarded a Veterans’ Employment and Training Grant from the USDL. The funds will be used to deliver services to homeless Native American and non-Native veterans in training, education, and through the HVRP. During discussion, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Grover Wind stated, “Our primary goal is to help our homeless veterans in any way we can.” The MCN is the only recipient of the grant in Oklahoma.
To view the full agenda, visit: mcnnc.com.
STOP with the fighting? we are all natives from all types of nations ?; is the land not for everyone? #wtf 😭 is going on America you all should be ashamed of yourselfs.