Byline: Braden Harper/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance and Justice Committee meeting was held in person and teleconference Oct. 20 at the Mound Building. All legislation will go before the full Council during the regular session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCR 22-011 Confirming Cynthia M. Tiger to serve on the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board. Representative Anna Marshall sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass, 3-1. Representative Mark Randolph was the lone dissent.
If approved, Tiger’s term will begin upon confirmation from Full Council and end Oct. 29, 2025.
TR 22-158 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a legal services contract between the nation and Cody Minyard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Child Support Enforcement. Representative Randall Hicks sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
Minyard was selected by MCN Office of Child Support Enforcement to secure legal services.
TR 22-159 Authorizing the extension of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce to continue operations of the Onefire Holding Company, LLC. Representative Patrick Freeman sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass as amended 3-1. Rep. Hicks was the lone dissent.
The extension will last 90 days after the enactment of the law.
NCA 22-161 Establishing tribal membership in the National Congress of American Indians. Speaker William Lowe sponsored the legislation, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
Tribal membership dues will be in the amount of $30,000.00. Based on the current tribal enrollment of 97,507 citizens, MCN will have 180 votes in NCAI.
NCA 22-125 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of funds for the benefit of the Muscogee Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 2022 Cops Office Tribal Resources Grant Program – Equipment and Training. Rep. Hicks sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
The grant will pay for travel for two employees to attend required CTAS New Grantee Orientation Training. It will also purchase seven Dodge Durangos with accessory packages, eight Dodge Ram Trucks with accessory packages and 71 bullet proof vests.
NCA 22-126 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women FY 2022 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments to exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Award for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department. Representative Sandra Golden sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
The grant will allow the MCN Lighthorse Police Department to hire one investigator, and one domestic violence analyst. This will allow the department to increase the capacity to gather, analyze, report data, and respond to crimes against Native Women including domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence.
NCA 22-127 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of the National White Collar Crime Center Grant Award for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department. Rep. Golden sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
The grant will be used to purchase 14 Panasonic Toughbook Computers.
NCA 22-136 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing MCNCA Title 50, entitled “Lighthorse Police”. Representative Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the bill, which was approved for do pass, 3-1. Rep. Hicks was the lone dissent.
Citing a lack of progress from the Lighthorse Police Commission including seat vacancies, not hiring an attorney for legal assistance and inconsistencies in meetings, the bill will place Lighthorse Police back under the executive branch.
NCA 22-137 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 26 § 3-102 D. entitled “Compensation”. Rep. Osborn sponsored the bill, which was unanimously approved for do pass, 4-0.
This bill will increase compensation for MCN Supreme Court Justices. It cites the justices’ workload increasing due to the increased number of cases and bar applications filed since the McGirt decision.
Referred Legislation:
NCA 22-119 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation amending MCNCA Title 35, Chapter 3, entitled “Medical Travel Assistance”. Representative Robert Hufft and Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the bill, which was approved for funding.
NCA 22-121 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a special appropriation to Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground to purchase a tractor and related equipment. Rep. Hicks sponsored the bill, which was approved for funding.
NCA 22-128 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation appropriating funds to be used for transactional costs related to accepting donated real property located in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored the bill, which was approved for funding.
NCA 22-135 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing an appropriation for the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce. Rep. Hicks sponsored the bill, which was approved for funding.
The BFJ Committee voted to enter executive session to discuss other business including MNGE (GOAB), Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise, and Muscogee International, LLC.
For video of committee meetings visit: www.mcnnc.com.
