MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On June 10, the Land, Natural Resources and Cultural Preservation Committee held an in-person meeting on June 10.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills. All legislation passed through committee will be presented in the next session for full council approval.
TR 25-037 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) application for Oklahoma Targeted Brownfields Assessment passed with the vote of 4-0. Representative Robyn Whitecloud sponsored this legislation.
MCN Geospatial Department is wanting to apply to the ODEQ. According to the bill, this assessment will be able to determine the scope of remedial actions needed before the property may be used to serve its citizens.
TR 25-038 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute the University of Georgia’s NAGPRA care and trust agreement for the maintenance of physical custody of certain ancestors, associated and unassociated funerary objects, sacred items, and/or other items of cultural patrimony passed with the vote of 4-0. Representative Galen Cloud sponsored this legislation.
MCN Department of Culture and Humanities is wanting to work with UGA, this agreement is for the maintenance of physical custody of Mvskoke ancestors.
TR 25-039 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the MCN, Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town, Kialegee Tribal Town, and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town for the Method of Allocation for the Nation’s proportional share of the funding for Housing and Urban Development funds and the FY-2026 Indian Housing Block grant passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Mark Randolph sponsored this legislation.
According to the bill, the MCN and the Tribal Towns agree that it is in the best interest of the MCN, Tribal Towns, and citizens for HUD to use enrollment for receiving their proportional share of the needs for the Indian Housing Block Grant where the Tribal Towns receive funding based on double their enrollment and the Nation will receive the remaining portion.
TR 25-040 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nation and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (DOE-FECM), Office of Resource Sustainability, for the direct benefit of the MCN passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored this legislation.
The DOE-FECM, Office of Resource Sustainability has resources and expertise to support Tribes. Such as data sharing, technical assistance and workforce development initiatives in the area. According to the bill the MOU will support the long-term environmental restoration, job creation and energy for MCN citizens.
TR 25-041 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a Memorandum of Agreement and to apply for federal funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Transportation Bridge Program to fund bridge construction with Creek County for two (2) bridge replacement projects passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored this legislation.
The two bridges are hazardous to the citizens that travel, and the MCN is requesting federal construction funds through the BIA. Upon completion Creek County will assume full responsibility.
TR 25-042 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a lease agreement for Grazing and Cooperative Land Management between the MCN and the Nature Conservancy passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored this legislation.
The TNC lease is for 11,000 acres to be preserved for MCN. This is for grazing livestock and land management.
TR 25-043 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief or his designee to execute a contract for utility services with the City of Glenpool for the benefit of the Department of Housing passed with a vote of 4-0. Representative Charles McHenry sponsored this legislation.
The property that will receive the utility service is located at 15608 S. Broadway in Glenpool.
TR 25-044 A tribal resolution of the MCN authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a real estate contract for the purchase of property in Elmore County, Alabama passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. McHenry sponsored this legislation.
The Nation will purchase this property, this will expand MCN land use. According to the bill, this land is one of the four Mother towns of MCN, it’s part of the Tukabatchee Tribal Town.
NCA 25-051 A law of the MCN authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka for the benefit of the MCN Department of Housing passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. McHenry sponsored this legislation.
The Department was awarded $500,000 in grant funds. This will be able to help purchase land for a multi-year housing development. This will be located in Glenpool, and/or Bixby.
NCA 25-052 A law of the MCN appropriating funds to be used toward the purchase of property located in Elmore County, Alabama postponed indefinitely with a vote of 4-0. Rep. McHenry sponsored this legislation.
The located property is in Elmore County, the owner of this property has requested $1,062,500. These funds will be going towards purchase plus title insurance, title opinions, surveys, environmental studies, and applicable taxes, according to the bill.
NCA 25-056 A law of the MCN authorizing a budget modification in excess of ten percent (10%) for the MCN Realty/Trust Department for FY 2025 budget passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Cloud sponsored this legislation.
The MCN Realty/Trust Department is making the modification request to reallocate certain funds for expenses for supplies, survey, fees, filing fees and so forth.
NCA 25-057 A law of the MCN approving the FY 2026 Indian Housing Plan passed with a vote of 4-0. Rep. Whitecloud sponsored this legislation.
This improvement is for the submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Indian Housing Block Grant funds will go towards the current Indian Housing Plan.
For more information visit, www.mcnnc.com.
