MVSKOKE RESERVATION- On May 6, the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held an in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee 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 Jason Nichols to serve on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizenship Board. The nomination was passed 5-0. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the legislation.
Nichols has served on the MCN Citizenship Board for the past 5 years.
NCA 25-045 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $320,000 awarded from the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Education, Tribal Education Department grant for the benefit of the Eufaula dormitory passed 4-0. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marshall.
The funds will be used for the professional development of staff, $500 graduation incentives, and support services.
NCA 25-046 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $1,123,000 for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Energy Program for energy assistance related services for fiscal year 2025 passed 4-0. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marshall.
The funds will be used by Social Services to address an anticipated shortfall in the energy assistance program. Rep. Marshall questioned whether the program is sustainable and offered the suggestion of increasing the qualifying age, which is currently 55, to ensure the program’s longevity. Secretary of Community and Human Services Carmin Tecumseh-Williams stated that discussions regarding all the programs for Mvskoke Elders will begin in the near future and will involve the Executive Office and National Council. Additional potential solutions mentioned were changing the parameters or requirements.
NCA 25-048 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $12,600,000 awarded from the United States Department of Agriculture for the benefit of Muscogee (Creek) Nation 2025 summer EBT program passed 4-0. The legislation was added during the session and was sponsored by Representative Joyce C. Deere.
The funds will be used to implement the 2025 Summer EBT program, which will serve 105,000 eligible children within the boundaries of the MCN reservation. WIC/Summer EBT Program Director Katita Bunner explained that the funds will not cover the entire MCN reservation and that school districts that have been served by the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee Nations in the past will continue in their programs. Eligible students will receive a $120 food package for the summer.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
