OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Health, Education and Welfare and Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Joint Committee meeting was held June 13 at the Mound Building.
All passed legislation will go before the full council during the Regular Session.
HEW/LNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 23-052 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Purchase Sale Agreement for property located in Muskogee, Co. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which passed as substituted, 9-0.
The property and its facilities will be used for the benefit of the MCNDH for the renovation of a hospital facility currently present on the land for the purposes of an in-patient addiction recovery facility. Opioid litigation funds will be used to fund the $23,000 purchase.
TR 23-064 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a contract for the purchase of property located in Tulsa Co. Representative. Robert Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 9-0.
The property and its facilities will be used for the benefit of the MCNDH for an administrative office space annex. The property will be paid for with ARPA funds.
TR 23-066 Amending TR 19-076 (Suspend all special appropriations and donations) as amended by TR 20-150, TR 21-080, TR 22-128, TR 22-143, TR 22-150, TR 22-155, TR 23-170 and TR 23-045. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 9-0.
The resolution is amended for a one-time appropriation for the MCN Elders if NCA 23-052 is enacted and for the Amer-I-Can Organization if NCA 23-066 is enacted.
NCA 23-045 Amending MCNCA Title 16 Chapter 1 1-102 Entitled “The organization for the Executive Office of the Principal Chief” to organize various cultural and humanities programs by creating a new Cultural and Humanities Department. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the legislation, which was postponed until the next LNC/HEW meeting 9-0.
The department will organize various cultural and humanities programs with direct oversight and administration of various cultural resource programs.
NCA 23-063 Authorizing the expenditure of the American Rescue Plan Act Fiscal Recovery Funding for the benefit of the MCN Department of Health. Representative Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 9-0.
ARPA funds consisting of $27,732,310 will be utilized to assist with issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to support the long-term health and well being of the Nation’s citizens.
NCA 23-065 Amending NCA 22-051 (authorizing an appropriation for the construction of the Glenpool Creek Indian Community Center). Rep. Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 9-0.
The act is amended to stop construction and renovate the current community center for an activity center. The funds decreased from $2,295,360 to $1,695,360.
NCA 23-066 Authorizing a donation to Native Amer-I-Can for Zoyaha (Children of the Sun) Festival 2023. Rep. Randolph sponsored the legislation, which passed 9-0.
The festival celebrates the Euchee identity, language and culture. It gives an opportunity to recognize the Euchee on Aug. 5 in Glenpool, Okla. If adopted, the council will donate $15,000 to the organization.
For more information, visit www.mcnnc.com.
