Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Committee meeting was held August 10 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the regular session.
LNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 21-114 Authorizing the execution of the National Park Service Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Grant Agreement awarding funds in the amount of $70,175.00 to the Historic and Cultural Preservation Department. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The grant funds will be used to ensure the protection and preservation of valued Mvskoke historic and cultural resources, including sacred places, cultural sites, cultural remains and Mvskoke history, for future generations.
Historic and Cultural Preservation Department Manager RaeLynn Butler claimed the department will use some of the funds to create an Internship position for a Muscogee youth.
TR 21-115 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Agreement among the MCN, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Okmulgee County, and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office regarding replacement of old Highway 75 North bridge over Adams Creek, Okmulgee County. Rep. Charles McHenry sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The road has been identified with MCN National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory as Route 1430. The BIA plans to fund the project through MCN Tribal Transportation Program.
NCA 21-090 Authorizing the expenditure of the National Park Service Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) Grant in the amount of $70,175.00 for the benefit of the Historic and Cultural Preservation Department. Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The grant amount of $70,175.00 will be used to ensure the protection and preservation of valued Mvskoke historic and cultural resources, including sacred places, cultural sites, cultural remains and Mvskoke history, for future generations.
Authorization from the National Council is requited to expend grant funds necessary to administer the THPO grant.
NCA 21-091 Repealing MCN Code Annotated Title 5 Chapter 2 entitled “Financial Assistance,” creating new law in MCNCA Title 5 Chapter 2 entitled “Financial Assistance,” and amending MCNCA Title 37, Chapter 2, and subchapter 1 entitled “Required Annual Budgets Items.” Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The new law provides assistance to the eligible Muscogee (Creek) churches and ceremonial grounds established by the National Council’s official list located within the Nation’s reservation.
The amendment includes the Ceremonial Ground Maintenance Assistance which establishes $96,000 beginning with fiscal year 2023 Comprehensive Annual Budget and every four years thereafter.
Appropriation for financial assistance for established ceremonial grounds and churches shall be established at $1,543,000 beginning with the FY 2022 CAB and annually thereafter.
Meetings and agendas can be viewed at: www.mcnnc.com.
